Judge rules in favor of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, other jurisdictions, prohibiting illegal federal immigration enforcement

July 11, 2025 9:20 PM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 11, 2025) - A federal district judge issued a ruling Friday ordering federal authorities to cease unconstitutional stops and arrests based solely on whether a person looks Latino and prohibited illegal racial profiling tactics as part of immigration enforcement activities in the Los Angeles region.

The ruling was issued in response to a lawsuit brought on behalf of individuals and organizations who have been impacted by immigration raids that the city of Los Angeles in partnership with Santa Monica, Pasadena, Culver City, Pico Rivera, Montebello, Monterey Park, West Hollywood and the county of Los Angeles sought to join in a motion filed on July 8.

The legal effort is being led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Public Counsel, and other immigration and civil rights groups in response to unlawful enforcement activities that have taken place in the region in the past two months.

The plaintiffs filed two motions for temporary restraining order urging the court to immediately protect the civil liberties of individuals. The cities and the county of Los Angeles also requested to be heard on the motions, as they have been significantly impacted by the illegal activities of the federal government.

"Santa Monica is grateful for the judge's ruling and proud to join the city of Los Angeles and other partners in taking a stand to protect our most vulnerable community members," Mayor Lana Negrete said. "Our residents should not have to live in fear of being detained or arrested solely because of how they look. We're hopeful today's ruling will put an end to these unconstitutional raids and provide some reassurance and comfort to the community."

Read the full ruling here.

Media Contact

Lauren Howland Communications and public information manager lauren.howland@santamonica.gov

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