&w=3840&q=100)
US federal court blocks indiscriminate immigration arrests in 7 California counties
People wait outside of Glass House Farms, a day after an immigration raid on the facility, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Camarillo, Calif. AP
On Friday, a federal court ordered the Trump administration to suspend indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests in seven California counties, including Los Angeles.
Immigrant advocacy organisations filed the lawsuit last week, accusing President Donald Trump's government of purposefully targeting brown individuals in Southern California as part of its continuing immigration crackdown. The claimants include three detained immigrants and two US citizens, one of whom was arrested despite giving agents his ID.
The lawsuit filed in US District Court asked a judge to prevent the government from using what they describe unconstitutional techniques in immigration sweeps. Immigrant groups accuse immigration officers of detaining people based on their race, making unwarranted arrests, and refusing prisoners access to legal representation at a holding facility in downtown Los Angeles.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Judge Maame E. Frimpong also issued a separate order barring the federal government from restricting attorney access at a Los Angeles immigration detention facility in response to a request from nonprofit law firm Public Counsel.
Frimpong issued the emergency orders, which are a temporary measure while the lawsuit proceeds, the day after a hearing during which advocacy groups argued that the government was violating the Fourth and Fifth amendments of the Constitution.
She wrote in the order there was a 'mountain of evidence' presented in the case that the federal government was committing the violations they were being accused of.
The White House responded quickly to the ruling late Friday.
'No federal judge has the authority to dictate immigration policy — that authority rests with Congress and the President,' spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. 'Enforcement operations require careful planning and execution; skills far beyond the purview (or) jurisdiction of any judge. We expect this gross overstep of judicial authority to be corrected on appeal.'
Communities on edge as administration steps up arrests
Immigrants and Latino communities across Southern California have been on edge for weeks since the Trump administration stepped up arrests at car washes, Home Depot parking lots, immigration courts and a range of businesses. Tens of thousands of people have participated in rallies in the region over the raids and the subsequent deployment of the National Guard and Marines.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The order also applies to Ventura County, where busloads of workers were detained Thursday while the court hearing was underway after federal agents descended on a cannabis farm, leading to clashes with protesters and multiple injuries.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the recent wave of immigration enforcement has been driven by an 'arbitrary arrest quota' and based on 'broad stereotypes based on race or ethnicity.'
When detaining the three day laborers who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, all immigration agents knew about them is that they were Latino and were dressed in construction work clothes, the filing in the lawsuit said. It goes on to describe raids at swap meets and Home Depots where witnesses say federal agents grabbed anyone who 'looked Hispanic.'
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said in an email that 'any claims that individuals have been 'targeted' by law enforcement because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE.'
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
McLaughlin said 'enforcement operations are highly targeted, and officers do their due diligence' before making arrests.
After the ruling, she said 'a district judge is undermining the will of the American people.'
ACLU attorney Mohammad Tajsar said Brian Gavidia, one of the US citizens who was detained, was 'physically assaulted … for no other reason than he was Latino and working at a tow yard in a predominantly Latin American neighborhood.'
Tajsar asked why immigration agents detained everyone at a car wash except two white workers, according to a declaration by a car wash worker, if race wasn't involved.
Representing the government, attorney Sean Skedzielewski said there was no evidence that federal immigration agents considered race in their arrests, and that they only considered appearance as part of the 'totality of the circumstances', including prior surveillance and interactions with people in the field.
In some cases, they also operated off 'targeted, individualized packages,' he said.
'The Department of Homeland Security has policy and training to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment,' Skedzielewski said.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Order opens facility to lawyer visits
Lawyers from Immigrant Defenders Law Center and other groups say they also have been denied access to a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in downtown LA known as 'B-18' on several occasions since June, according to court documents.
Public Counsel lawyer Mark Rosenbaum said in one incident on June 7 attorneys 'attempted to shout out basic rights' at a bus of people detained by immigration agents in downtown LA when the government drivers honked their horns to drown them out and chemical munitions akin to tear gas were deployed.
Skedzielewski said access was only restricted to 'protect the employees and the detainees' during violent protests and it has since been restored.
Rosenbaum said lawyers were denied access even on days without any demonstrations nearby, and that the people detained are also not given sufficient access to phones or informed that lawyers were available to them.
He said the facility lacks adequate food and beds, which he called 'coercive' to getting people to sign papers to agree to leave the country before consulting an attorney.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Friday's order will temporarily prevent the government from solely using apparent race or ethnicity, speaking Spanish or English with an accent, presence at a location such as a tow yard or car wash, or someone's occupation as the basis for reasonable suspicion to stop someone. It will also require officials to open B-18 to visitation by attorneys seven days a week and provide detainees access to confidential phone calls with attorneys.
Attorneys general for 18 Democratic states also filed briefs in support of the orders.
US Customs and Border Protection agents were already barred from making warrantless arrests in a large swath of eastern California after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in April.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
PM Modi hails contribution of four nominated to RS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the contributions of former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and historian Meenakshi Jain after they were nominated to the Rajya Sabha . In a notification issued late Saturday night , the Union Home Ministry said the President has nominated the four to the Rajya Sabha. "Shri Ujjwal Nikam's devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases," Modi said in a post on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo During his entire legal career, Nikam has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity, he said. "It's gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings," Modi said. Live Events Lauding Shringla's contribution, Modi said he has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. "Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings," Modi said in another post. The prime minister further said Sadanandan Master's life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. "Violence and intimidation couldn't deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment," Modi said. "Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP," he added. Modi also said it is a matter of immense joy that Meenakshi Jain has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the president. "She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure," the prime minister said. The President nominates 12 people to the Rajya Sabha, who are people of eminence in various fields.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
44 minutes ago
- First Post
This Week in Explainers: Who attacked Kapil Sharma's café in Canada?
Days after Indian comic Kapil Sharma opened his café in Canada's Surrey, it has come under attack. It was targeted by Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh, alias Laddi. In our weekly roundup, we talk about the shooting and delve into other big news stories from around the world read more A police officer takes down crime scene tape outside the Kapil Sharma-owned cafe that was shot at multiple times, in Surrey, British Columbia, Thursday, July 10. Surrey Police investigate shots that were fired at Kap's Cafe. The Canadian Press via AP It's been dominated by Trump, tariffs and Taco trade. The much-awaited deadline of July 9 passed this week, and it comes as no surprise that a new deadline is now in place – 1 August. In April, the US administration predicted '90 deals in 90 days'. So far, only three have been forged – with China, the UK, and Vietnam – and a pact with India is in the making. Amid this, Trump has threatened new tariffs on 22 other nations, like Canada, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Iraq. Letters have been sent out to them. He also warned Brics nations, which include India, with 10 per cent levies. In a nutshell, the deals are handful, the uncertainty plentiful. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Brics summit was held in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro earlier this week. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to skip it, once again fuelling speculation of a change of power in the Asian nation. Not all's well in neighbouring Pakistan as well. Army chief Asim Munir is becoming even more powerful, and rumour has it that he is planning a coup against President Asif Ali Zardari. A heartbreaking story emerged from Texas. Deadly flash floods struck the state on the July 4 weekend, causing large-scale devastation. At least 120 people have died, and several are still missing. Among the victims were holidaymakers and campers, including young girls, who were attending a nearly century-old summer camp. Our weekly wrap dives into all the big stories and some more. 1. Donald Trump has reset the tariff clock once again. From July 9, the deadline has been extended to August 1. Trade negotiations with most countries have not materialised. This week, at least 22 nations received tariff letters, of which 14 are in Asia. That includes Japan, South Korea and Sri Lanka. On Friday (July 11), Trump also announced 35 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada. Here's a list of all the nations facing new levies. Japan and South Korea joined a list of more than 20 nations that received tariff letters from the US. Of these, 14 countries are from Asia. File photo/Reuters 2. Donald Trump's other target this week has been Brics. He has warned that the bloc, which includes India, will be slapped with 10 per cent additional tariffs. He also alleged that Brics was formed to 'destroy' the US dollar. But is that even possible? Why is Trump threatened by the collective? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. Talking about the Brics, this year's summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro was conspicuous by the absence of Xi Jinping. It's the first time since taking power in 2012 that the Chinese president has skipped the gathering. This comes only days after his absence from public view between May 21 and June 5. So why is Xi avoiding engagements? Is there a possibility of a change in power in China? Speculation is rife. Men ride a scooter past a poster showing Chinese President Xi Jinping on the side of a school building in Henan province, China. The Chinese president's decision to skip Brics has led to rumours about his possible exit. File photo/Reuters 4. In Pakistan, there is tension in the upper echelons. Rumours are abuzz about another coup in the making. There is talk that Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is plotting to overthrow President Asif Ali Zardari. That would bring more instability to the nation. But is there any truth to a military takeover? A police officer stands in front of the traffic, next to posters of Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, in Karachi, Pakistan. File photo/Reuters 5. Texas witnessed a 'once-in-a-century' flash flood on the July 4 weekend. At least 120 people have died, and there has been massive devastation. Hit hard by the deluge was Camp Mystic, a famous summer camp where 750 girls gathered for some fun and adventure. The campsite was washed away, claiming dozens of lives, with several still missing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A woman inspects campers' belongings lying on the ground following flooding on the Guadalupe River, at Camp Mystic, in Hunt, Texas, on July 9. Reuters 6. What happens in the Kremlin stays in the Kremlin. However, the death of a Russian minister has raised eyebrows and many questions. On Monday, Vladimir Putin sacked Roman Starovoit, his transport minister. Hours later, he was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Reports suggest he died by suicide. But why was he sacked? Here's what we know. 7. The Khalistan terror in Canada continues. Its latest target was Indian comic and TV host Kapil Sharma's newly inaugurated café in Surrey. Shots were fired at the building, where the eatery is located, but no injuries were reported. Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh, alias Laddi, has taken responsibility for the shooting. Who is he? I'm on the ground in Surrey BC at Kap's Cafe to see the destruction of last night's shooting. Kap's Cafe is owned by a very famous Indian comedian, Kapil Sharma, and he made a joke that a member of the Babbar Khalsa International (listed Khalistani terrorist org in 🇨🇦) didn't… — Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) July 11, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 8. Our last story is for all those who prefer messaging over a call. But what happens when you don't have internet? It can be pretty annoying. Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has a solution for you. He has launched Bitchat, a messaging app to rival WhatsApp, that works without the internet. Here's how. That's all from us this week. Hope our reading recommendations make your Sunday more insightful. You can come back for more such stories here.
The Print
an hour ago
- The Print
There's poison of regionalism, linguism in Maharashtra. Condemn & remove it: YB Chavan
Even recently, when I was in Bombay, I held a press conference, and about what I said there was misrepresented in some papers in the south. There are certainly some problems for Maharashtrians in Bombay – of poor people. I am one of those who believe that whether it is a poor Tamil or a poor Telugu or a poor Kannadiga, or a poor Maratha, their problems are the same. I was asked to unveil a statue of Shivaji at Shivaji Park in Bombay. It was a huge gathering of 3-4 lakh people. I made my first statement there condemning these activities and appealing to the people of Maharashtra not to take up this linguistic attitude in this particular matter. I am on record about it. Maharashtra has a tradition of nationalism, and Maharashtra has produced leaders as humble servants of the nation. The poison of regionalism or linguism, just as it is making its appearance and is raising its ugly head elsewhere, made a somewhat ugly appearance in Maharashtra also. Certainly, we shall have to condemn it and make every effort to remove that poison. I would like to assure this House that the Maharashtra Government are quite aware of this thing. The Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister themselves have made statements about it, and they have assured me that they will take all the necessary action against all manifestations of it, whatever they are. The agony and the pangs of unemployment are the same. There are certainly some economic grievances. At the same time, I would say that however justified the economic grievances may be, nobody has a right to take unlawful means in his hands to solve even those economic grievances. This is my approach to this matter. I would like to put on record a certain statement on this matter. Our Constitution accepts only one citizenship and all citizens have the fundamental right to reside and settle in any part of India. … to acquire, hold, and dispose of property anywhere and to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. This fundamental right must be unreservedly respected both by the governments in the country and by the people. It is in the interest of the economic development of the country and of national integration that any citizen of India should feel free to go to any part of the country, seek employment or pursue any business or occupation of his choice. He should have the confidence that while doing so, there will be no discrimination of any kind against him and that, in a very real sense, the principle of equality of opportunity would be respected. In the matter of public employment, equality of opportunity has been guaranteed by the Constitution itself, and this is a guarantee which we have been endeavouring, and will continue to endeavour, to have fully respected by all the public authorities in the country. In respect of the Central Government's corporate public enterprises, we have been issuing instructions that there should be no discrimination against people who come to seek employment from other parts of the country or against the local people. The only preference which our instructions provide is that at the lower levels of employment, special consideration should be shown to people who had been displaced by a project. I am sure the House will agree this is a sound and humane policy. Complaints are sometimes made of discrimination in the organised sectors of private employment. This is not a matter in which anything can or should be done through legal regulation, but the wider interests of the country require, as indeed does the enlightened self-interest of the employers themselves, that here, too, the principle of equality of opportunity should be observed. People will have grievances. Sometimes they are justified, and sometimes they are not. Obviously, where there are any legitimate grievances, they should be redressed to the extent possible. But one thing is certain. Nobody has any right to seek redress of his grievances, genuine or otherwise, by unlawful means. There can be no justification whatever for creating hatred or ill will, for one section of the community to show any kind of antagonism to another. If there is anything of this kind, it should be strongly condemned, and where legal action is possible, such action should be taken. Some weeks ago, I said categorically at a press conference in Bombay that any agitation directed against any particular linguistic group deserved to be condemned. I also described the attitude of the Shiv Sena as reactionary and harmful, and against the unity of the country. I take this opportunity to reaffirm those observations. I have heard from the Maharashtra Government again recently, in which the assurances and the determination to take necessary action have been reaffirmed. I am confident that the Maharashtra Government will stand by their assurances and take whatever action is necessary to prevent any manifestation of parochialism. Editor's note: This is an edited excerpt from Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan's 1967 address in the Lok Sabha. Read the full speech here. This is part of ThePrint's Great Speeches series. It features speeches and debates that shaped modern India.
