The case Noem v. Perdomo is making headlines. It began in Los Angeles when Federal Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong ruled that immigration authorities (ICE) cannot arrest individuals solely because: • The person appears to belong to a certain ethnicity or race; • They speak Spanish or English with an accent; • They are at an agricultural worksite or seeking informal employment; • Or due to the type of work they perform.
It’s not that these factors are entirely prohibited from consideration, but they cannot be the sole reason for an arrest.
The Impact of This Ruling
After this preliminary injunction, ICE arrests in Los Angeles dropped by 66%. This raised an alarm: Were most previous raids indeed based on these profiles?
What’s Next?
The federal government opposed the decision and asked the Supreme Court to overturn the injunction, arguing it hinders immigration law enforcement in a region with over 20 million people. The Supreme Court has already requested responses from both parties, so a landmark decision is imminent.
Why This Matters to the Immigrant Community
If the injunction is upheld, it would significantly restrict practices deemed discriminatory. This could protect workers in sectors like agriculture, construction, and general services, where many immigrants are employed.
For those living or working in the U.S. without defined status, understanding these rights is crucial—even to know how to respond during an encounter.
If You or Someone You Know Has Experienced This
Contact our office. We can review your case, explain your rights, and guide you on the best legal options. Information is your best defense.