Federal judge blocks ICE from racially profiling Latinos in Southern California

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing immigration agents in Southern California from stopping individuals solely because they are Latino or appear to be and are working class, according to the Los Angeles Times.

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong cited extensive evidence including body camera footage and text messages showing agents using racial slurs and engaging in an unwritten policy of racial profiling.

The injunction mandates that agents must have individualized reasonable suspicion before detaining someone for immigration enforcement, rather than relying on racial stereotypes. Stops at ports of entry and checkpoints are exempt from this ruling.

Judge Frimpong clarified that this order is not a final ruling on the legality of the government’s policies but addresses the practice of racial profiling. The Trump administration has filed an appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The ACLU Foundation of Southern California praised the ruling, stating it recognizes that ICE agents were unlawfully targeting Latino community members. They also said plaintiffs will continue to monitor government actions closely.