The US Supreme Court has ruled that controversial immigration raids in Los Angeles can continue for the time being, lifting an injunction that had previously prohibited federal agents from conducting stops without reasonable suspicion.
This decision, delivered on Monday, is viewed as a significant victory for the Trump administration, which has pledged to enforce strict immigration policies and increase deportations of undocumented migrants.
In a divided 6-3 decision, the conservative-majority court endorsed the resumption of raids, allowing agents to detain potential suspects based on characteristics such as race, language, or occupation while legal disputes surrounding the issue remain unresolved.
Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized in the ruling that while ethnicity cannot independently substantiate reasonable suspicion, it can be considered alongside other factors.
The ruling faced strong opposition from the court's liberal justices, who argued it jeopardizes fundamental civil rights. Justice Sonia Sotomayor articulated the dissent, arguing that the decision would lead to racial profiling and wrongful detentions based on appearances.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded critically, stating the ruling undermines personal freedoms, calling it both dangerous and un-American.
The case began when Judge Maame E. Frimpong issued a temporary restraining order based on claims of unconstitutional practices by immigration officers, which included conducting stops based solely on ethnicity or presence in specific locations like workplaces. Judge Frimpong noted that substantial evidence suggested the raids violated migrants' rights under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
As the Supreme Court allows these raids to go forward, tensions remain high in Los Angeles. The enforcement strategies have sparked protests and prompted the deployment of National Guard troops in the region, as fears grow over the implications for immigrant communities across the country.
