Immigrant communities in Southern California are on edge after the U.S. Supreme Court backed President Donald Trump’s tough immigration raids on September 8, 2025.
The decision allows agents to stop people based on race or language, overturning a lower court’s ban and sparking strong criticism.
Court Lifts Restrictions
The Supreme Court, with a 6-3 conservative majority, agreed to a Justice Department request to cancel a July 11 order by Los Angeles Judge Maame Frimpong.
Her rule had stopped agents from detaining people without clear proof of illegal status, banning factors like race or language. The Court’s short decision lets “roving patrols” go on.
Justices Push Back
Justice Sonia Sotomayor and two other liberal justices disagreed.
“This says Latinos in low-wage jobs can be grabbed anytime and held until they prove they’re legal,” Sotomayor said.
She called it a threat to rights, saying, “I won’t stay quiet as freedoms disappear.”
Lawsuit Against Raids
In July 2025, Latinos, including U.S. citizens, sued in Los Angeles, saying the raids break the Fourth Amendment’s rules against unfair searches.
They described armed agents using scary tactics, like “daytime grabs.” One person, Jason Gavidia, said agents treated him badly and questioned his citizenship, asking about his birthplace.
Trump’s Big Plan
After winning re-election in 2024, Trump promised huge deportations. His Los Angeles raids have caused fear and protests.
In May 2025, aide Stephen Miller aimed for 3,000 arrests daily. In June, Trump sent National Guard and Marines to help police against protesters, a move Governor Gavin Newsom called wrong and divisive.
Government’s Argument
Attorney General Pam Bondi, picked by Trump, called the ruling a “big win,” saying agents can work freely.
The Justice Department said in Southern California, where 10% of people are undocumented, agents can use race or language as clues with other factors.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh said race alone isn’t enough but can be considered, and agents let people go once they prove they’re legal.
Why It’s a Problem
Critics say raids at places like car washes unfairly target Latinos and hurt citizens too. The Supreme Court has backed Trump’s 2025 plans, like sending migrants to other countries.
A lower court supported Frimpong’s ban on August 1, but the Supreme Court stopped it.
