The Department of Justice on Monday announced a federal lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, citing its sanctuary policies as unlawful and responsible for interfering with immigration enforcement.
The legal action follows a week of violent riots triggered by ICE raids across Los Angeles—an eruption of chaos that forced the Trump administration to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines to restore order.
Federal Government Strikes Back
In its official filing, the DOJ claimed that L.A.’s policies obstruct federal immigration law and violate the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
“The challenged law and policies of the City of Los Angeles obstruct the Federal Government’s enforcement of federal immigration law,” the DOJ wrote, “and impede consultation and communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials that is necessary for federal officials to keep Americans safe.”
According to the complaint, L.A.’s sanctuary framework actively discriminates against the federal government by singling out ICE for adverse treatment.
“Accordingly, the law and policies challenged here are invalid and should be enjoined,” the suit concluded.
Riots Sparked by Sweeping Federal Raids
The lawsuit comes after coordinated ICE raids targeted undocumented immigrants across dozens of locations in Los Angeles, including:
-
Two Home Depot stores
-
The Ambient Apparel warehouse in the Fashion District
-
Sites in Downtown, Westlake, Skid Row, and Cypress Park
As the raids unfolded, violent protests broke out, with demonstrators confronting both ICE and FBI agents. Videos circulated widely on social media showing clashes between federal officers and activists, many of whom accused the government of “ethnic cleansing.”
Mayor Bass Condemns the Raids—Then Gets Sued
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded with outrage, taking to X to blast the enforcement actions.
“As mayor of a proud city of immigrants… I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” she posted.
“These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.”
She concluded by vowing resistance:
“We will not stand for this.”
Her comments drew fierce backlash from Trump allies and were cited in the DOJ’s legal brief as evidence of official obstruction.
Trump Administration: LA Policies Are “Illegal and Dangerous”
Senior administration officials allege that L.A.’s sanctuary laws have made it “nearly impossible” for ICE to cooperate with local police, even in cases involving violent criminals and gang affiliates.
Homeland Security sources confirmed that multiple suspects apprehended in the June raids had prior deportation orders and felony convictions.
“We are enforcing federal law,” said ICE Director Todd Lyons. “No mayor has the authority to override that.”
National Guard and Marines Called In
As violence spread, President Trump authorized military support, sending in over 1,000 troops from both the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps under the Department of Homeland Security’s emergency request.
Military personnel were tasked with securing ICE facilities and protecting federal officers during continuing operations.
Critics argue the need for military intervention proves L.A.’s sanctuary policies have pushed the city into a full-blown crisis.
