California Attorney General Rob Bonta has led a coalition of states in filing an amicus brief in the case of Vasquez Perdomo et al. v Noem et al. The brief supports plaintiffs seeking a temporary restraining order against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The aim is to halt what they describe as unconstitutional stops during immigration sweeps in Los Angeles.
Attorney General Bonta criticized the actions of ICE and CBP, stating, “The actions of ICE and CBP during the raids in Los Angeles are part of a cruel and familiar pattern of attacks on our immigrant communities by an administration that thrives on fear and division.” He emphasized that these raids are not about safety or justice but about meeting enforcement quotas.
Governor Gavin Newsom also voiced his concerns, asserting, “The Fourth Amendment protects every person from unreasonable searches and seizures.” He added that federal agents are detaining U.S. citizens without due process, impacting democracy, society, and the economy.
The lawsuit arises amid aggressive immigration raids under the Trump Administration, which Attorney General Bonta claims have created a culture of fear. Masked immigration agents have been conducting unannounced enforcement actions across California communities.
Plaintiffs argue that ICE and CBP engage in unconstitutional stops based on racial profiling rather than reasonable suspicion. They seek preliminary injunctive relief to protect public interest due to alleged harms caused by these actions.
Attorney General Bonta’s brief is supported by attorneys general from 18 other states including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
A copy of the amicus brief is available for review pending court approval.
