Federal judges in San Francisco are now deciding whether to let the Trump administration restart aggressive ICE raids in Southern California. On July 28, 2025, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments about whether to lift a temporary restraining order (TRO) that has stopped these raids. The outcome could affect thousands of immigrants and set new rules for how far federal agents can go in enforcing immigration laws.
The Trump administration wants the 9th Circuit to let ICE resume “roving patrols”—sudden, unannounced sweeps in neighborhoods, workplaces, and even places like churches and schools. These tactics have sparked lawsuits, protests, and fear in immigrant communities. The TRO, issued by U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong earlier in July, found that ICE’s actions likely broke the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
During the July 28 hearing, a three-judge panel pressed the Trump administration’s lawyer, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth, about the legal basis for the raids. The judges asked if ICE could detain people without clear, individual reasons. Roth argued that the TRO “usurps” federal power and blocks lawful immigration enforcement. He warned that if the court does not act, the administration will appeal to the Supreme Court.
For now, the TRO remains in place. ICE’s aggressive patrols in Southern California are on hold until the 9th Circuit rules. The Justice Department wants an emergency stay so agents can resume enforcement while the legal fight continues. A decision could come within days.
What Changed Under the Trump Administration?
The Trump-Vance administration has made sweeping changes to immigration enforcement since returning to office. In 2025, it reversed old rules that kept ICE away from “sensitive locations” like churches, schools, and hospitals. Now, agents can conduct raids almost anywhere. This has led to a sharp rise in high-profile arrests and legal challenges.
On July 28, 2025, a group of religious organizations filed a new lawsuit. They say ICE raids at houses of worship violate the First Amendment, which protects religious freedom, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. “Our congregations are afraid,” said one pastor involved in the lawsuit. “People are skipping services, and our ministries are suffering.”
The administration has also reorganized immigration enforcement. It now uses cross-agency teams, has expanded the role of the military, and increased ICE’s detention budget by more than 300% through the “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” These moves have drawn criticism from state officials, civil rights groups, and even some military veterans.
Who Is Involved in the Legal Battle?
- Plaintiffs: Immigrant rights groups, religious organizations, and people directly affected by ICE raids.
- Defendants: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Secretary Kristi Noem, and ICE.
- Judges: District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong and the 9th Circuit panel, which includes Judge Ronald M. Gould.
- State of California: Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed their own lawsuits. They challenge the use of the National Guard for immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
How Are Communities Affected?
The TRO has brought temporary relief to many immigrants in Southern California. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the halt in ICE raids has reduced the risk of sudden detentions and allowed families to feel safer, at least for now. But the broader enforcement strategy has created what some call a “maelstrom of fear and chaos.” Immigrants—regardless of their legal status—worry about being arrested at any time, even in places that used to be considered safe.
Religious leaders report that attendance at services has dropped. Some churches have added security or changed how they run programs. “We’re seeing families torn apart and ministries disrupted,” said a spokesperson for one of the religious groups suing the government.
Legal immigration has also become harder. There are higher fees, longer waits, and more scrutiny for people trying to get visas or green cards. Many families are unsure what to expect next.
Timeline of Key Events
- Early July 2025: Judge Frimpong issues the TRO, stopping ICE’s “roving patrols” in Southern California.
- Mid-July 2025: The Trump administration appeals to the 9th Circuit, asking to lift the TRO.
- July 28, 2025: Oral arguments take place in San Francisco. On the same day, religious groups file a new lawsuit over ICE raids at houses of worship.
- Pending: The 9th Circuit will decide whether to keep or lift the TRO. If the administration loses, it plans to ask the Supreme Court to step in.
What Are the Main Arguments?
Immigrant advocates and legal experts say the Trump administration’s tactics break the Constitution and long-standing rules. They argue that mass detentions without specific reasons are unfair and illegal. “This is about basic rights,” said a lawyer for the plaintiffs. “No one should be arrested just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The Justice Department disagrees. It says the TRO stops ICE from doing its job and that agents already follow the law. “Federal authority over immigration is clear,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roth. “The courts should not block lawful enforcement.”
Some military and law enforcement veterans have also spoken out. They warn that using the military for immigration enforcement could harm democracy and distract the military from its main mission.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
For more than 30 years, ICE and its earlier agencies avoided enforcement at sensitive locations. This policy aimed to protect schools, churches, and hospitals from becoming places of fear. The Trump-Vance administration ended these protections in 2025, saying they made it too hard to enforce immigration laws.
California has often led the fight against federal immigration crackdowns. State officials and courts have challenged the Trump administration’s actions many times, arguing that local communities should have a say in how laws are enforced.
What Happens Next?
A ruling from the 9th Circuit could come any day. If the court keeps the TRO in place, the Trump administration is expected to ask the Supreme Court to review the case. More lawsuits about ICE raids in sensitive locations are also moving through federal courts across the country.
The administration’s larger immigration overhaul—including bigger detention centers and more raids—will likely face more legal and political challenges. Many expect the debate to continue for months, if not years.
What Can Affected People Do?
If you or someone you know is worried about ICE raids or needs legal help, several organizations can assist:
- American Immigration Council: Offers information and legal resources for immigrants. Visit www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org.
- Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs: Provides legal support for civil rights cases. See www.washlaw.org.
- Democracy Forward: Legal counsel for plaintiffs in the houses of worship lawsuit. Updates at www.democracyforward.org.
For official updates on the case, you can check the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals website.
Important Points to Remember
- The 9th Circuit has not yet made a final decision. The TRO stopping ICE raids is still in effect as of July 29, 2025.
- Policy and enforcement could change quickly, depending on what the courts decide.
- The Trump administration’s changes have made immigration enforcement stricter and more visible, especially in places that used to be off-limits.
- Immigrant communities, religious groups, and state officials are fighting these changes in court and calling for more protections.
Practical Tips for Immigrants and Families
- Stay informed about your rights. Know what to do if ICE comes to your home or workplace.
- Keep important documents in a safe place and have a plan for your family in case of detention.
- Reach out to trusted legal organizations for advice and support.
- Attend community meetings or workshops to learn about recent changes and how they might affect you.
This legal battle in the 9th Circuit is about more than just one region or one group of people. It will shape how immigration laws are enforced across the United States 🇺🇸 and could set new limits—or new powers—for federal agents. As the courts weigh these big questions, the lives of many families hang in the balance.
Learn Today
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) → A short-term court order halting actions like ICE raids until further judicial review occurs.
Fourth Amendment → Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by government authorities, foundational in this immigration case.
Roving Patrols → Unannounced ICE sweeps in neighborhoods and workplaces, often without individualized suspicion against immigrants.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act → A federal law protecting individuals and groups from government actions that burden religious exercise.
9th Circuit Court of Appeals → A federal appellate court reviewing legal decisions, key to this immigration enforcement dispute.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal courts weigh whether ICE can restart aggressive raids halted by a TRO. The Trump administration pushes legal limits, while immigrant communities and religious groups challenge violations, fearing constitutional rights infringement amid expanded immigration enforcement in Southern California.
— By VisaVerge.com
