On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court—in a 6–3 decision—lifted a ruling that had previously restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Los Angeles from making stops based solely on race, language, job, or location. The previous injunction by District Judge Maame E. Frimpong was prompted by cases where U.S. citizens and legal residents were detained without proper cause. While Justice Brett Kavanaugh supported lifting the restriction—stating that ethnicity alone couldn’t justify stops—Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly dissented, warning the ruling could lead to dehumanizing treatment based on appearance or employment. The decision enables federal agents to resume aggressive immigration enforcement as litigation continues.AP News

Broader Context & Implications

• Legal Background: The original restraining order was issued following documented cases of improper detentions of U.S. citizens and legal residents, based purely on identity indicators and location. This sparked broader concerns over civil rights and procedural protections.AP NewsVox
• Split Court Reaction: Aligning with conservative jurists, Kavanaugh argued for enforcement discretion within legal bounds. Sotomayor’s dissent emphasized constitutional protections, especially regarding the Fourth Amendment and equal treatment under law.The Guardian
• Federal Enforcement Powers: The ruling marks a judicial shift towards broader executive enforcement latitude—at least temporarily—pending further court review. It highlights the changing legal landscape during Trump’s second term, especially in contentious urban areas like Los Angeles.The Guardian
• Civil-Rights Concerns: Immigrant advocates and local leaders argue the ruling may legitimize racial profiling and disproportionately impact Latino and immigrant communities—even U.S. citizens.AP News

Neutral Summary

In a closely divided ruling, the Supreme Court has lifted a lower court injunction that had limited ICE’s ability to conduct immigration stops in Los Angeles based on demographic or occupational profiling. Supporters argue the change restores necessary law enforcement flexibility; critics warn of erosion in constitutional norms and civil liberties protections.

On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court—in a 6–3 decision—lifted a ruling that had previously restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Los Angeles from making stops based solely on race, language, job, or location. The previous injunction by District Judge Maame E. Frimpong was prompted by cases where U.S. citizens and legal