Federal Judge Blocks Immigration Sweeps in Los Angeles, Six Other Counties

A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s controversial immigration sweeps across Southern California, ruling they relied on racial profiling and violated civil rights, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The decision bars federal agents from conducting random immigration stops based on appearance or language in public places such as car washes and hardware store parking lots.

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong’s ruling covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.

The decision bars federal agents from conducting random immigration stops based on appearance or language in public places such as car washes and hardware store parking lots.

Governor Gavin Newsom praised the decision on X, calling it a defense of constitutional rights. The ruling is a temporary injunction; immigrant rights groups and California officials are now seeking a permanent ban on the practice.