A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop random immigration stops and arrests in seven counties in California, including Los Angeles on Friday. This order came after immigrant rights groups filed a lawsuit claiming that federal immigration officers were unfairly targeting Latino individuals in a broad immigration crackdown.

Allegations of Racial Profiling and Rights Violations

The lawsuit, filed last week in US District Court, accused President Donald Trump’s administration of conducting unconstitutional immigration sweeps. The plaintiffs included three detained immigrants and two US citizens—one of whom was arrested even after showing identification.

According to the lawsuit, immigration officers detained people based on their race, made unjustified arrests, and denied detainees access to legal help at a detention center in downtown Los Angeles.

Judge Frimpong Issues Emergency Orders

Judge Maame E. Frimpong issued two emergency orders to stop these actions while the case continues. One order prevents the government from using race, language, or occupation as a reason to stop and arrest people. The other order requires the federal government to allow attorneys full access to the “B-18” ICE detention facility in Los Angeles.

She stated in her ruling that a “mountain of evidence” showed the federal government likely violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the US Constitution, which protect against unreasonable searches and guarantee due process.

White House Pushes Back

The White House quickly criticized the ruling. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, “No federal judge has the authority to dictate immigration policy — that authority rests with Congress and the President.” She called the ruling a “gross overstep of judicial authority” and said the administration would appeal.

Communities in Fear as Arrests Continue

Many Latino communities in Southern California have felt increasingly anxious in recent weeks. Immigration arrests have reportedly increased at car washes, construction sites, parking lots, and local businesses. Some of these areas include Home Depot parking lots and immigration courts.

Large protests followed the increased raids and the use of National Guard and Marines to support federal agents. Tens of thousands of people across the region have taken part in rallies.

Raids in Ventura County During Hearing

While the court hearing was taking place, immigration agents raided a cannabis farm in Ventura County. They reportedly detained busloads of workers, leading to protests and injuries. The federal order now applies to Ventura County as well.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the government’s actions were guided by racial stereotypes and an arbitrary arrest quota.

In the case of the three day laborers mentioned in the lawsuit, the only known detail was that they were Latino and wearing construction clothing. Witnesses also reported raids at swap meets and Home Depots, where federal agents allegedly arrested anyone who “looked Hispanic.”

DHS Denies Racial Bias

Tricia McLaughlin, a top official with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), denied these accusations. She called the claims of racial targeting “disgusting and categorically FALSE.” According to her, immigration officers conduct targeted, careful operations after verifying information.

After the judge’s decision, she said, “a district judge is undermining the will of the American people.”

Claims of Discrimination and Assault

Mohammad Tajsar, an attorney for the ACLU, said one of the detained citizens, Brian Gavidia, was “physically assaulted … for no other reason than he was Latino and working at a tow yard.” He also questioned why only two white workers were spared during a raid at a car wash if race wasn’t a factor.

Government lawyer Sean Skedzielewski defended the actions, arguing there was no racial bias. He said agents based their decisions on the “totality of circumstances,” including surveillance and known details. He added that agents often act based on “targeted, individualized packages.”

Lawyers Previously Blocked From LA Facility

Attorneys from Immigrant Defenders Law Center and other groups have said that since June, they have repeatedly been denied access to the B-18 immigration facility in downtown Los Angeles.

Mark Rosenbaum, a lawyer with Public Counsel, said on June 7, when they tried to shout out basic legal rights to detainees on a bus, government drivers honked to drown them out, and tear gas-like chemicals were used nearby.

Skedzielewski said the restriction on attorney access was to protect staff and detainees during protests, but added that access has since been restored.

Rosenbaum disagreed, saying lawyers were denied entry even when no protests were happening. He also said detainees don’t have proper access to phones and aren’t informed about available legal help. He called the lack of food and beds “coercive,” suggesting it pushed detainees to sign deportation papers without legal counsel.

Details of the Court Order

The judge’s order temporarily bans immigration officers from using factors like race, language, location (like car washes or tow yards), or job type as reasons for stopping someone.

It also requires immigration officials to:

• Allow attorney visits seven days a week at the B-18 facility

• Give detainees confidential phone access to lawyers

Attorneys general from 18 Democratic-led states have also filed court briefs supporting these new limits on immigration enforcement.

Context: Previous Court Limits on Federal Arrests

Earlier this year, in April, another federal judge had already barred Customs and Border Protection agents from making warrantless arrests in eastern California—part of a growing legal pushback against the federal immigration crackdown.