Court Prohibits Federal Government from Racial Profiling and Denying Access to Counsel in Immigration Raids

A federal court on Friday, July 11, 2025, issued two temporary restraining orders (TROs) against the federal government, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in response to recent immigration enforcement actions in Southern California. The court found that these actions, which included ongoing raids and the denial of legal counsel to detained immigrants, likely violated constitutional protections.

This follows an announcement earlier this week that the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, and local cities - including the City of West Hollywood - filed a motion to intervene in the federal lawsuit Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem challenging unlawful immigration raids.

The ruling represents a critical step in protecting the rights and dignity of community members in the City of West Hollywood and across the region. The plaintiffs in Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem are represented by coalition of civil rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Southern California and Public Counsel, which have each issued statements:

• ACLU SoCal: https://www.aclusocal.org/en/press-releases/breaking-court-prohibits-federal-government-racial-profiling-denying-access-counsel

• Public Counsel: https://publiccounsel.org/press-releases/breaking-court-prohibits-federal-government-from-racial-profiling-denying-access-to-counsel-in-immigration-raids

"This ruling is a powerful victory for justice and human rights," said City of West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. "The court's decision to issue two temporary restraining orders against the Department of Homeland Security speaks volumes: no one should be stopped based on race, language, location, or the work they do, and no one should face detention without access to legal representation. By halting unlawful immigration raids and by ensuring every detained individual, regardless of background or status, has access to legal counsel, the court reaffirmed that constitutional protections apply to everyone. In West Hollywood, we believe that dignity, fairness, and compassion are not negotiable, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with neighboring jurisdictions and advocacy groups to defend those values. This case highlights what we can achieve when we come together to defend fundamental rights and demand accountability. It is not just a legal victory; it is a powerful reaffirmation of the shared values that run through all our communities."

The City of West Hollywood condemns recent immigration enforcement actions, which are disruptive, discriminatory, and deeply destabilizing. These hostile actions target our region's immigrant families, instill fear in our neighborhoods, and erode our collective trust in the federal government's obligation to adhere to the rule of law and due process. As a long-standing safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and marginalized communities, the City reaffirms its commitment to inclusion, equality, and justice for all.

It is vital for immigrant communities and providers to understand their rights and identify important local resources. The City of West Hollywood has launched a Know Your Rights information page on the City's website and will be expanding upon this information. Learn more at https://www.weho.org/KnowYourRights.

For up-to-date information about City of West Hollywood news and events, follow @wehocity on social media, sign-up for news updates at https://www.weho.org/email, and visit the City's calendar of meetings and events at https://www.weho.org/calendar. West Hollywood City Hall is open for walk-in services at public counters or by appointment by visiting https://www.weho.org/appointments. City Hall services are accessible by phone at (323) 848-6400 and via website at https://www.weho.org. Receive text updates by texting "WeHo" to (323) 848-5000.

For reporters and members of the media seeking additional information about the City of West Hollywood, please contact the City of West Hollywood's Public Information Officer, Sheri A. Lunn, at (323) 848-6391 or slunn@weho.org.