The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday handed President Donald Trump a major victory, allowing federal agents to continue aggressive immigration patrols across Southern California.
The decision lifts restrictions imposed by lower courts that had blocked so-called “roving patrols” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In July, a Biden-appointed district judge ruled ICE stops based on race, language, or presence in certain locations likely violated the Fourth Amendment.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling, applying it to seven California counties.
But the Supreme Court’s order overturns those decisions, restoring full enforcement powers.
Kavanaugh Concurs
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a separate opinion explaining the Court’s stance.
He emphasized that “apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion” but argued it may be considered “as a relevant factor when combined with other salient circumstances.”
Brett Kavanaugh
Kavanaugh stressed that “reasonable suspicion” is a low threshold that permits only a brief stop and inquiry — not indefinite detention.
“To be clear,” he added, “if the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, they promptly let the individual go.”
Kavanaugh also used the concurrence to comment on broader immigration policy:
“I recognize and fully appreciate that many illegal immigrants come to the United States to escape poverty and lack of opportunity. But the fact remains: they are acting illegally by remaining here, unless Congress changes the law.”
Sotomayor Dissents
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a fiery dissent joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson.
She warned the ruling “makes Latinos — citizen or not — fair game to be seized at any time, taken away from work, and held until they provide proof of their legal status.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
“We should not have to live in a country where the government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low-wage job,” she wrote.
Sotomayor argued ICE’s track record shows the “on-the-ground reality” is that agents will rely almost entirely on ethnicity, language, or location as the basis for stops.
She accused the Trump administration of being “unapologetically clear” about its intent to press ahead, citing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s vow that “none of our operations are going to change.”
DHS Stance
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been unapologetic about stepped-up enforcement.
She blasted the district court judge as an “idiot” and vowed, “None of our operations are going to change.”
Trump’s Agenda
The Trump administration has filed nearly two dozen emergency appeals to the Supreme Court this term, most centered on immigration.
The justices have sided with Trump in the majority of those disputes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called Monday’s order a “massive victory” for immigration enforcement.
Trump campaigned on promises of record deportations and has deployed National Guard troops and Marines to back federal agents in Los Angeles.
The use of military support for civilian enforcement drew sharp criticism from California Democrats, but the White House defended the moves as necessary.
Local protests have erupted in immigrant neighborhoods, though federal officials insist the patrols target only those breaking the law.
