Lake and Colorado Blvd. No Kings Day, June 14, 2025 (File Photo – Kathabela Wilson)
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) has issued a strong statement following a federal court ruling that limits immigration enforcement actions in California’s Central District, calling the decision a “powerful statement against the T. Administration.”
By News Desk
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, found that federal immigration officials failed to justify their enforcement tactics, which Pérez characterized as racially biased and politically motivated.
Los Angeles County and the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Montebello, Monterey Park, and West Hollywood joined the lawsuit.
“As we have suspected, the federal government’s attorneys did not produce any compelling evidence that their cruel and aggressive immigration enforcement is anything more than racial profiling,” Pérez said. “Under questioning, they told the judge they look for people based on their race, their type of clothing, and even their facial expressions. This is appalling to hear, but not surprising.”
Pérez praised Judge Frimpong’s handling of the case, highlighting how the court exposed the “flimsy and discriminatory” practices used in federal immigration raids.
“I am grateful that today’s ruling will provide the critical check and balance we need right now to limit many of the attacks we’ve seen on the streets and in the workplaces of our communities,” she added.
In response to the ruling and ongoing concerns over immigration enforcement tactics, Pérez reaffirmed her commitment to Senate Bill 805, the No Vigilantes Act. The bill aims to strengthen protections against impersonation and the misuse of law enforcement authority in immigration matters. Specifically, SB 805 would:
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Expand existing laws against police impersonation;
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Require law enforcement officers operating in California to clearly display identification, including name or badge number;
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Authorize law enforcement to verify the identity of individuals claiming to be officers;
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Ban bounty hunters from participating in any form of immigration enforcement.
“We know this reckless federal witch-hunt is about creating terror in vulnerable communities and scoring political points,” Pérez added.
The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal and political battles between California and the federal government over immigration enforcement practices.
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