James Slams ICE Raids as Unconstitutional in LA

New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined a chorus of 17 other state attorneys general in demanding the court halt what they describe as unconstitutional ICE raids in Los Angeles, California.

In an amicus brief filed in Perdomo v. Noem, James and her colleagues argue that the mass deportation tactics have torn apart communities, harmed local economies, and eroded public trust in law enforcement.

‘In Los Angeles and nationwide, we are seeing immigration enforcement officers deploy dystopian tactics that are deeply harmful,’ said Attorney General James. ‘These mass raids are tearing families apart, threatening public safety, and turning once-lively neighborhoods into ghost towns.’

The brief details how unannounced and unmarked operations in neighborhoods, churches, schools, and local businesses have left residents, including U.S. citizens, fearful to leave their homes, with unlawful detentions, questioning, and harassment often without reasonable suspicion.

Attorney General James highlights the historical context of discriminatory and militarized immigration enforcement campaigns in California, drawing parallels between the past raids and the current actions under the Trump administration, which prioritize maximizing arrests over due process rights.

The coalition argues that the federal government’s conduct creates confusion and fear, directly impeding local economies, public health, and education. They call for an immediate halt to these unconstitutional raids and a commitment to enforcing immigration laws in a manner that respects civil liberties and due process.