An appeals court has affirmed a crucial legal barrier against broad immigration enforcement tactics in Southern California, reinforcing protections for residents against indiscriminate stops and arrests.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals specifically upheld a temporary restraining order, maintaining safeguards against sweeping immigration operations across seven Southern California counties, including the densely populated Los Angeles area.

Community leaders celebrated the ruling, emphasizing that collective action and a strong message from the public contributed to the court’s decision. This judicial oversight underscores the unconstitutionality of detaining individuals based solely on appearance, language, or location, bolstering immigration rights.

The period since the initial temporary restraining order was implemented has been marked by increased calm within the affected communities, highlighting the positive impact of judicial intervention on public safety and civil liberties.

The court order explicitly prohibits immigration agents from relying on discriminatory factors such as race, ethnicity, or speaking with an accent. It also bars detentions based on presence at specific locations like bus stops, car washes, or agricultural sites, reinforcing constitutional protections and community protection.

This appeal originated from a lawsuit filed in early July by Southland residents, workers and advocacy groups. They alleged that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was conducting a program involving unlawful arrests, illegal confinement, and denial of legal access, prompting this legal challenge.

The Trump administration had sought to overturn U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong’s prior ruling, which deemed “roving immigration patrols” illegal due to a lack of reasonable suspicion. A 90-minute hearing was held in San Francisco to consider this federal court challenge.

Southern California’s immigrant and Latino communities have faced heightened anxiety since early June, following an intensification of arrests by the Trump administration at various public and commercial locations, underscoring the ongoing concerns about federal immigration enforcement and the need for robust community rights.