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A California court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Los Angeles over a city ordinance limiting its cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The ruling, issued by Judge Fernando Olguin of the central California US district court, rejected the administration's argument that the city's policy was unconstitutional. The judge granted the administration permission to file an amended complaint.

Coverage comparison

The Guardian reported that the lawsuit, filed last June, alleged that Los Angeles violated federal law by enacting policies barring city resources from being used to aid immigration enforcement operations or collect information about individuals' citizenship status. The lawsuit came weeks after Trump deployed troops to quell protests in Los Angeles against deportation operations.

The White House did not immediately respond to the Guardian's request for comment on the decision.

Key claims

  • A California court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Los Angeles over a city ordinance limiting its cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
  • The lawsuit was filed last June and alleged that Los Angeles violated federal law by enacting policies barring city resources from being used to aid immigration enforcement operations or collect information about individuals' citizenship status.
  • Judge Fernando Olguin rejected the administration's argument that the city unconstitutionally tried to regulate the federal government, finding instead that the ordinance "controls the actions of the city's own agents and agencies."
  • Los Angeles city attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto called the ruling a legal victory for the city, stating: "This order reinforces the well-established principle that local governments have the authority to decide how to use their personnel and resources."
  • Feldstein Soto explained that the ordinance aims to encourage victims and witnesses of crime to feel safe coming forward to seek help from the LAPD regardless of their immigration status, and that it does not obstruct or impede lawful federal immigration enforcement operations.
  • The administration was granted permission to file an amended complaint, leaving the door open for further legal action.