The US Supreme Court has allowed large-scale immigration raids in Los Angeles to move forward, lifting a federal judge’s order that had restricted agents from stopping people without “reasonable suspicion.”
The 6-3 ruling, issued Monday, marks a win for President Donald Trump, who has pledged record deportations of undocumented migrants. The decision lets federal agents conduct stops based on race, language, or type of work while a broader legal challenge moves through the courts.
Divided Court
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the conservative majority, said the lower court went too far in limiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“To be clear, apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion,” he wrote. “However, it can be a ‘relevant factor’ when considered along with other salient factors.”
The three liberal justices strongly dissented. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that “countless people in the Los Angeles area have been grabbed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed simply because of their looks, their accents, and the fact they make a living by doing manual labour.” She warned the ruling exposes many more to the same treatment.
Political Reactions
The White House welcomed the decision, promising to continue arresting and deporting “criminal illegal aliens.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the ruling “dangerous” and “un-American,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that “Trump’s private police force now has a green light to come after your family.”
Background on the Case
The decision overturns a restraining order by US District Judge Maame E. Frimpong, who found evidence that the raids violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. Her order barred ICE from targeting people solely for “speaking Spanish,” appearing to belong to a certain race or ethnicity, or working at locations like bus stops, farms, or car washes.
Immigration advocates behind the lawsuit said ICE was carrying out “roving patrols,” denying detainees access to lawyers, and engaging in racial profiling. One plaintiff, Armando Gudino of the Los Angeles Worker Center Network, said the ruling effectively “legalised racism.”
Growing Raids and Protests
The Trump administration launched the raids in June, focusing on workplaces like Home Depot. Protests quickly followed, leading Trump to deploy nearly 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines—moves a federal judge later ruled illegal. The White House dismissed the ruling, calling the judge “rogue.”
Now, with the Supreme Court’s decision, raids are expected to intensify in Los Angeles and may soon expand to other cities. Trump has already ordered additional federal forces to Washington, DC, and is considering sending troops to Chicago.
Leave a Reply