The United States Supreme Court has allowed federal agents to move forward with aggressive immigration raids in Southern California. The decision came after the Justice Department asked the court to pause a lower judge’s order that had placed limits on how agents could stop or detain people.
U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong had earlier ruled that agents could not target individuals simply because of their race, ethnicity, or the language they spoke. That order was put on hold by the nation’s highest court, meaning raids based on those factors are now allowed while a lawsuit continues.
The ruling was made in a brief, unsigned order. It did not include a detailed explanation, but it immediately set off strong reactions. Protests have already erupted in Los Angeles, where many families fear being separated during these raids.
Strong Reactions From Leaders and Communities
California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted with sharp criticism, describing the court’s ruling as promoting a “parade of racial terror”. He argued that the raids are not just about enforcing immigration laws, but about targeting Latino families and small businesses.
Civil rights lawyers supporting the plaintiffs in the lawsuit said the ruling will cause deep harm. According to them, people are being stopped on the streets, at their jobs, or in their neighborhoods just because of their skin color, the jobs they hold, or the language they use. They argue this is a direct violation of basic freedoms.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a powerful dissent, warning that the ruling makes all Latinos “fair game” for agents. She wrote that even U.S. citizens could be forced to show proof of legal status simply because of their appearance or accent. She added that constitutional freedoms are being trampled.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump appointee, praised the decision as a “massive victory.” She said immigration officers must be able to conduct “roving patrols” without being restricted by judges.
Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh supported the ruling, noting that ethnicity alone should not be the only factor for suspicion, but he added that it can be considered along with other factors.
Raids and Lawsuits Intensify
Immigration raids in Los Angeles have become more visible and forceful this year. Armed agents in masks have been reported pulling people aside suddenly and demanding answers about their identity. These raids have created widespread fear in immigrant communities, with many families worried about being separated from their loved ones.
The raids have also led to lawsuits. A group of Latino residents, including U.S. citizens, filed a class action case in federal court. They claim they were stopped without proper reason and often with a show of force. Judge Frimpong had agreed with them in July and issued a restraining order against the raids. But the Supreme Court’s ruling now lifts those protections.
The situation in Los Angeles has also drawn military involvement. In June, former President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to the city after protests erupted. Governor Newsom and local officials condemned the move, calling it unnecessary and unlawful. Still, the deployment went forward, deepening tensions.
Behind the scenes, senior Trump aide Stephen Miller has pushed immigration agencies to speed up deportations. He reportedly set a goal of 3,000 daily arrests, signaling a push for mass enforcement. Rights groups say this is part of a larger campaign that discriminates against people based on their race or ethnicity.
For now, the Supreme Court has sided with the Trump administration in allowing the raids to continue. The lawsuit challenging the practice is still moving forward, but communities in California remain on edge as the aggressive operations expand.