Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Los Angeles Sanctuary Policy
LOS ANGELES – A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit initiated by the Trump administration against Los Angeles concerning a city ordinance that prohibits the use of city resources for immigration enforcement. The ruling, issued over the weekend by U.S. District Judge Fernando Holguin, allows for the U.S. Department of Justice to amend its claims against the city, although it cannot pursue claims against individual defendants.
Legal Rationale for Dismissal
Judge Holguin, appointed by former President Barack Obama, determined that the Justice Department did not adequately demonstrate that Los Angeles’ sanctuary policy preempts federal law. He noted that the relevant federal statute does not require local governments to engage in cooperative agreements for the purpose of communicating with federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement.
City’s Argument on Preemption
Holguin expressed skepticism regarding the preemption argument, emphasizing that the ordinance in question specifically bars city employees from collecting information about an individual’s citizenship or immigration status. He clarified that the ordinance simply restricts inquiries about immigration status and does not hinder the city’s ability to maintain or share such information.
City Attorney Responds
In a statement, Los Angeles City Attorney Heidi Feldstein Soto remarked that the ruling affirms the principle that local governments have the right to determine how to utilize their resources. Soto explained that the ordinance aims to foster trust between the city’s immigrant communities and law enforcement, thereby encouraging victims and witnesses of crimes to seek assistance from the LAPD without fear of deportation.
Justice Department’s Position
The Department of Justice has not submitted a comment following the ruling. In a complaint filed in June 2025, the DOJ argued that the city’s ordinance, titled “Prohibiting the Use of City Resources for Federal Immigration Enforcement,” undermines federal immigration law. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi previously claimed that such sanctuary policies contribute to violence and undermine law enforcement efforts in Los Angeles.
Scope of Sanctuary City Regulations
The city’s Sanctuary City Act of 2024 is significantly broader than previous laws, such as the California Values Act of 2017, and seeks to actively disrupt federal immigration enforcement operations. The Los Angeles City Council even included an emergency clause to the ordinance, underscoring its intent to limit federal immigration policy implementation within the city.
Political Tensions Surrounding Immigration Enforcement
The strained relationship between local authorities and federal immigration policies has recently intensified, particularly following widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles. These operations, which have drawn protests throughout the city, reflect ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal enforcement efforts. Local police departments remain hesitant to engage in immigration enforcement, fearing that it may deter individuals from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement.
