In brief
In a recent ruling, Judge Maame E. Frimpong determined that the Trump administration is still infringing on the constitutional rights of detained immigrants by restricting their access to lawyers at a Los Angeles facility. This decision builds upon a temporary order from July mandating free, confidential phone calls and attorney visitation hours. Lawyers continue to face challenges, including restricted private conversations with clients and unexplained facility closures.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge on Friday found that the Trump administration continues to infringe on the constitutional rights of detained immigrants by effectively restricting their access to attorneys at a detention facility in Los Angeles. Judge Maame E. Frimpong ordered the government to take corrective measures.
In July, immigrant advocacy groups filed a lawsuit alleging the administration engaged in systemic targeting of brown-skinned individuals during immigration enforcement actions in Southern California. Advocates accused officials of warrantless arrests and unnecessary detentions while denying detainees access to legal representation in a downtown Los Angeles holding facility.
This ruling follows a temporary order assigned in July that required the government to ensure detainees had the ability to make free and confidential phone calls to their lawyers. While the Department of Homeland Security complied with some visitation requirements, concerns remain regarding the overall accessibility and willingness to inform attorneys about facility closures.
Evidence presented during court that the government did not fully adhere to the July order led to the latest findings. The judge emphasized that the detention facility must remain open for attorney visitation seven days a week, for a minimum of eight hours per day during weekdays and at least four hours on weekends and holidays. Additionally, should the facility require closure, officials must notify plaintiffs within four hours and limit shutdowns to a reasonable duration.
Lawyers from Public Counsel have reported ongoing difficulties in meeting with detained clients. Attorneys began receiving notices of closures only from September 10 and have had to conduct meetings while guards are present, limiting the privacy necessary for candid conversations. Some detainees have frequently been moved without warning, complicating representation and access.
The government cannot lock individuals up and obstruct their access to legal counsel, stated Rosenbaum, reflecting on the recent injunction that aims to uphold detainees' rights.
