US Court Halts Immigration Arrests in California

A federal judge has ordered a temporary halt to random immigration arrests across seven counties in California, including Los Angeles, marking a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Judge Mameé A. Frimpong issued two emergency orders as part of an ongoing lawsuit. The first blocks federal immigration agents from carrying out arbitrary arrests, while the second prohibits the government from limiting attorney access to detainees held at the Los Angeles immigration detention facility.

The case, brought by immigrant rights groups, argues that these actions violate the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the US Constitution. During a recent hearing, advocates presented what the judge described as a mountain of evidence indicating systemic rights violations by federal authorities.

In response, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, dismissed claims of racial profiling as completely false and offensive, stating that immigration enforcement is conducted with precision and due diligence.

California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the court's decision, calling it a temporary victory for justice. He accused Trump’s administration of using fear, chaos, and cruelty to enforce a hardline immigration policy that infringes on civil rights.

The court ruling came amid heightened tensions following a large-scale US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo, California, which led to the detention of 200 undocumented migrants.

Tragically, a farmworker died after falling from a 10-metre height during the raid. According to the United Farm Workers union, the individual’s death resulted directly from ICE’s actions. The worker's identity has not been released.

In addition to the arrests, 10 children were rescued from potential forced labor, exploitation, and human trafficking, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The farming company involved, Glass House Brands, denied knowingly violating labor laws or employing minors, stating that it would provide legal representation to the detained workers.

The raid sparked widespread protests, with over 500 demonstrators attempting to block enforcement operations. Tear gas was deployed after some protesters reportedly threw projectiles at ICE vehicles. Four American citizens face charges for assaulting or resisting law enforcement officers.