Appeals Court Upholds Block on Indiscriminate Immigration Stops in Southern California

August 2, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA — A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court’s order that temporarily prevents the Trump administration from carrying out broad immigration stops and arrests in Southern California.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday night to keep in place a temporary restraining order issued July 12 by U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong. The order restricts federal agents from stopping individuals based solely on factors such as race, ethnicity, language, location, or occupation.

Background of the Case

Immigrant advocacy groups filed the lawsuit in June, alleging that immigration enforcement in the region was disproportionately targeting Latino communities. The plaintiffs include three immigrants in detention and two U.S. citizens.

One plaintiff, Los Angeles resident Brian Gavidia, was shown in a video being detained by agents while stating he was born in the United States.

Judge Frimpong wrote in her order that there was significant evidence of constitutional violations. She emphasized that the listed factors — race or ethnicity, speaking with an accent, being at certain locations like car washes or tow yards, or particular types of employment — cannot be the sole basis for reasonable suspicion.

Government’s Arguments

The federal government argued it had too little time to respond to the lawsuit and that the order was too broad. Attorneys maintained that these factors can legally be considered as part of reasonable suspicion, but should not be banned outright.

Government counsel also questioned whether sufficient evidence had been presented to show an official policy of unconstitutional stops.

Court’s Response

During the hearing earlier in the week, appellate judges challenged the government’s arguments. Judge Jennifer Sung noted that, in diverse areas like Los Angeles, the cited factors alone cannot reliably distinguish between citizens and noncitizens. She questioned what harm would result from being barred from doing something the government claimed it was not doing in the first place.

Context in Southern California

Southern California has been a focal point of immigration enforcement disputes during the Trump administration’s second term. Enforcement actions have included arrests at public locations such as Home Depots, farms, bus stops, and other gathering places, drawing both protests and heightened law enforcement presence.

The case will continue in district court while the temporary restrictions remain in place.