California Democrats condemned a Supreme Court ruling that allows Trump administration immigration raids in Los Angeles, labeling it “un-American” and a potential source of “racial terror.”
California Democrats have expressed strong opposition to a recent Supreme Court ruling that permits the Trump administration to continue its immigration raids in Los Angeles. They characterized the decision as “un-American” and warned that it could lead to a “parade of racial terror.”
Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his disapproval. He stated, “Trump’s hand-picked SCOTUS majority just became the Grand Marshal for a parade of racial terror in LA. His administration is targeting Latinos — and anyone who doesn’t look or sound like his idea of an American — to deliberately harm our families and economy.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which passed with a 6-3 vote, allows the Trump administration to resume immigration raids in California, overturning a lower court’s decision that had previously halted such actions. This case was escalated to the Supreme Court after a federal judge ruled in July that the raids were likely unconstitutional, as they involved detaining individuals based on “apparent race or ethnicity” or their ability to speak Spanish. Immigration advocates have long accused the federal government of targeting Latinos based on these criteria.
In addition to Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Senator Adam Schiff also criticized the Supreme Court’s decision. They described the immigration raids as “blatantly illegal.” Schiff remarked, “This Administration rounded up and arrested California residents, including U.S. citizens and legal residents, based on the color of their skin or the language they speak. This is blatantly illegal, yet the Supreme Court is allowing it to happen while the case proceeds.” Schiff has a history of contentious interactions with Trump, which include disputes over the January 6 investigation and Trump’s impeachment trials.
Mayor Bass echoed these sentiments, stating, “I want the entire nation to hear me when I say this isn’t just an attack on the people of LA; this is an attack on every person in every city in this country. Today’s ruling is not only dangerous – it’s un-American and threatens the fabric of personal freedom in the U.S.” She emphasized her commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of Angelenos, despite the administration’s efforts to undermine them.
The Supreme Court’s majority did not provide an explanation for their ruling. However, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion, argued that race could be a relevant factor in determining reasonable suspicion for immigration stops. He stated, “To be clear, apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion; under this Court’s case law regarding immigration stops, however, it can be a ‘relevant factor’ when considered along with other salient factors.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, expressing concern over the emergency order that approved such raids. She stated, “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.”
The Trump administration welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, with Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin declaring it a “win for the safety of Californians and the rule of law.” She added, “DHS law enforcement will not be slowed down and will continue to arrest and remove the murderers, rapists, gang members, and other criminal illegal aliens.”
This ruling follows the Trump administration’s directive for immigration officials to carry out raids in Los Angeles, a city that has identified itself as a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants. Protests and riots erupted in response to the crackdown, with local leaders like Newsom and Bass condemning the administration’s actions and offering support to undocumented individuals.
As the situation develops, the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling remain a focal point of contention among California Democrats and immigration advocates, who fear that the decision could exacerbate racial profiling and discrimination in immigration enforcement.
Source: Original article