by The City of Los Angeles and surrounding municipalities are taking legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging unconstitutional immigration enforcement practices. The move follows increasing tension between local governments and federal authorities over sanctuary policies and civil rights concerns.
Key Details:
- Legal Action:
Los Angeles filed a request to intervene in the class action lawsuit Perdomo v. Noem, which accuses DHS of racial profiling, warrantless arrests, and denial of due process. - Allegations in the Lawsuit:
- Federal agents allegedly made “suspicionless stops” based on race.
- Detainees were arrested without assessing individual flight risk.
- Poor detention conditions and denial of legal counsel were reported.
- The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHRLA) was blocked from accessing detainees.
- CHRLA Involvement:
- CHRLA is a pro-immigrant group that has received $35 million in public funding.
- The organization helped organize recent immigration protests in Los Angeles.
- Mayor’s Statement:
- Mayor Karen Bass said Los Angeles “will not be intimidated” and vowed to make LA an example of defending constitutional values.
- She emphasized unity among local governments, organizations, and residents.
- Federal Context:
- Just over a week ago, the U.S. Department of Justice sued Los Angeles over its sanctuary city policies.
- The city’s restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration agencies have drawn criticism from the federal government.
If the court approves LA’s request to intervene, the city can present arguments, submit evidence, and advocate for a temporary restraining order to halt federal immigration raids pending legal review.
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