In a bold ruling, a California federal judge has stepped in to curb the Trump administration's immigration practices, ordering an end to the "indiscriminate" detainment of individuals suspected of being in the US illegally. This decision, made through a temporary restraining order issued on Friday, reinforces the idea that immigration officials must not deny detainees access to legal representation.
The case stems from a lawsuit initiated by three immigrants detained at a Pasadena bus stop while seeking work, along with two US citizens, one of whom had shown identification. The Department of Homeland Security responded with criticism, claiming the judge was undermining the American public's wishes.
US District Judge Maame Frimpong highlighted "mountain of evidence" showing that officials have been conducting "roving patrols," which are defined as rounding up individuals without reasonable suspicion, a violation of constitutional rights. She noted that immigration arrests cannot be based solely on factors like race, language, or location, such as bus stops and car washes.
This ruling arrives as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts against illegal immigration, particularly targeting California, known for its resistance to such policies. In response to ongoing aggressive immigration enforcement, protests erupted following a violent raid at a marijuana farm in California that resulted in multiple injuries and over 200 arrests.
Human rights advocates have condemned these actions, suggesting they promote discrimination. ACLU representative Mohammad Tajsar reiterated that all individuals deserve constitutional protections, regardless of their background. Meanwhile, the government asserts its focus is on apprehending violent criminals, as it aims for a historically significant enforcement campaign.
The case stems from a lawsuit initiated by three immigrants detained at a Pasadena bus stop while seeking work, along with two US citizens, one of whom had shown identification. The Department of Homeland Security responded with criticism, claiming the judge was undermining the American public's wishes.
US District Judge Maame Frimpong highlighted "mountain of evidence" showing that officials have been conducting "roving patrols," which are defined as rounding up individuals without reasonable suspicion, a violation of constitutional rights. She noted that immigration arrests cannot be based solely on factors like race, language, or location, such as bus stops and car washes.
This ruling arrives as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts against illegal immigration, particularly targeting California, known for its resistance to such policies. In response to ongoing aggressive immigration enforcement, protests erupted following a violent raid at a marijuana farm in California that resulted in multiple injuries and over 200 arrests.
Human rights advocates have condemned these actions, suggesting they promote discrimination. ACLU representative Mohammad Tajsar reiterated that all individuals deserve constitutional protections, regardless of their background. Meanwhile, the government asserts its focus is on apprehending violent criminals, as it aims for a historically significant enforcement campaign.
