On July 11, 2025, a federal judge in Los Angeles issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that curtails how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may conduct immigration enforcement in Southern California. The order comes in response to allegations that ICE agents had been engaging in “roving patrols” and unlawfully detaining individuals based on race, language, or occupation. 

The TRO applies specifically to the Central District of California, covering the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Luis Obispo. The court found that ICE’s recent practices—particularly detentions at public locations such as bus stops, car washes, and day labor sites—may have violated constitutional protections against unlawful searches and seizures. 

The order prohibits ICE agents in these counties from stopping or detaining individuals based solely on appearance, speech, or location without individualized suspicion. It also mandates that detainees must be provided access to legal counsel seven days a week, including private and confidential attorney consultations. 

Following the ruling, the Trump administration filed a request with the courts seeking to suspend the TRO, arguing that ICE’s enforcement practices were lawful and necessary. That request is pending, and a full hearing is expected in the coming weeks to determine whether the TRO will be extended or lifted. 

What this means for employers:
Agricultural employers in the affected counties should review their existing protocols for managing on-site interactions with ICE agents. The TRO limits ICE’s authority to initiate stops without reasonable suspicion and reinforces the right of detained individuals to legal representation. Employers should be prepared to direct workers to appropriate legal resources and ensure that any encounters with ICE are documented in accordance with company procedures.