On Thursday, the Trump administration filed an emergency request with the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that blocked immigration enforcement stops in Southern California. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong, claimed that the stops were indiscriminate and likely violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The emergency appeal follows the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold a temporary restraining order against the administration’s enforcement actions. The Supreme Court will now determine whether to grant temporary relief while the legal challenge continues.

Judge Frimpong, a Biden appointee, argued there was a “mountain of evidence” showing federal agents were conducting unlawful stops based on race, language, and location. The Trump administration countered that the ruling unfairly restricts agents from enforcing federal immigration law. Government attorney Jacob Roth argued that Frimpong’s order was overly broad and lacked sufficient legal basis.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the injunction, claiming that sanctuary policies and judicial interference endanger American communities. “Unelected judges are undermining the will of the American people,” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem are putting Americans first.”

California has become a key battleground in the administration’s immigration efforts. Protests in Los Angeles led to the deployment of the National Guard, over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom. A Supreme Court hearing on the issue is scheduled for September. Separately, the Court recently declined to hear state lawsuits against oil companies over climate change damages.