Court order blocks civil rights violations in immigration raids, says CA attorney general

CALIFORNIA – California attorney general Rob Bonta announced, July 11, a court order temporarily blocking ICE and CBP from conducting unlawful stops during immigration sweeps.

“The Trump Administration is using federal immigration agents as a tool to instill fear and division in Los Angeles communities. In doing so, it is damaging community trust with law enforcement, disrupting Angelenos’ daily lives, and impeding public safety,” said Bonta.

U.S. District judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the case of Pedro Vasquez Perdomo vs. Kristi Noem.

According to the TRO, since June 6, 2025, federal immigration raids have led to the arrest of over 1,500 people.

ICE agents likely violated the Fourth Amendment

Frimpong said both sides of the case agree that all individuals – regardless of immigration status, share in the rights guaranteed by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution.

The TRO found that ICE agents likely violated the Fourth Amendment by stopping and arresting without reasonable suspicion and probable cause.

“Various places have been targeted by federal agents… (listing farmers markets, swap meet, bus stops, parks, gyms, and church). In one instance, agents approached and prevented a non-white individual from walking away, but not those who appear to be Caucasian,” according to the TRO.

The court noted that stops based on race, language, or ties to day laborer sites are unconstitutional.

Agents likely violated detainees’ right to due process

Detainees at ICE’s B-18 facility lacked access to legal counsel and adequate communication, according to the TRO. The court determined this likely violated detainees’ Fifth Amendment right to due process.

The court also found a high risk of irreparable harm from prolonged detention without cause and no access to attorneys or communications.

Frimpong ruled public interest favors stopping immigration tactics targeting people by appearance, location or job.

U.S. attorney strongly disagrees with allegations

U.S. attorney Bill Essayli said, in a post on X, they strongly disagree with the allegations in the lawsuit and maintain that agents have never detained individuals without proper legal justification.

“Our federal agents will continue to enforce the law and abide by the U.S. Constitution,” posted Essayli.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that “any claims that individuals have been ‘targeted’ by law enforcement because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE,” adding that “enforcement operations are highly targeted, and officers do their due diligence” before making arrests.”