The Trump administration has requested a federal appeals court to temporarily halt a significant ruling that mandates immigration officials in California to cease arrests made without probable cause. This request was made on March 4, 2024, following a decision by US District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, which was issued on March 1, 2024.
The ruling specifically affects the seven-county jurisdiction of the US Central District of California, including Los Angeles and its neighboring areas. Judge Frimpong’s order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create guidelines for officers that define “reasonable suspicion.” These guidelines must not include factors such as a person’s race, ethnicity, language, accent, or presence at specific locations like bus stops.
Attorneys from the Justice Department filed an appeal with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that Judge Frimpong’s ruling represents an overreach of judicial authority. They claim that the judge’s decision disrupts the operations of federal immigration enforcement and undermines the executive branch’s oversight of the agency. The administration’s court documents stated, “It is untenable for a district judge to single-handedly ‘restructure the operations’ of federal immigration enforcement and usurp ‘ongoing judicial supervision of an agency normally, and properly, overseen by the executive branch.’”
In addition to the request for a temporary pause, the administration is also seeking an “administrative stay,” which would provide a brief hold on Frimpong’s order while the appeals court considers the matter further.
Opposing this appeal, attorneys from the ACLU of Southern California, who were instrumental in bringing the case forward, are urging the appeals court to deny the request for a temporary suspension. They argue that the DHS has conducted unconstitutional arrests and has restricted detainees’ access to legal counsel.
The implications of this legal battle extend beyond the immediate parties involved. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how immigration enforcement is conducted in California and potentially across the nation. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that immigration practices respect constitutional rights while balancing public safety concerns.
