Federal Court Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Targeting Los Angeles Immigration Ordinance

On June 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin of the Central District of California dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit challenging Los Angeles’ ordinance limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. He rejected the claim that the ordinance unconstitutionally regulated the federal government, finding instead that it “controls the actions of the city’s own agents and agencies.” The judge dismissed the complaint but allowed the administration to file an amended pleading. The suit, filed in June 2025, alleged the city violated federal law by prohibiting the use of city resources for immigration enforcement or for collecting individuals’ citizenship status.

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Los Angeles adopted the ordinance after ICE raids and protests that led the Trump administration to deploy troops to the city in mid-2025. The policy follows a “sanctuary” model dating to LAPD Special Order 40 in the 1970s, separating local policing from immigration status inquiries. The administration has filed similar challenges in other Democratic-run jurisdictions; federal judges have already dismissed suits against Boston and Chicago.

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Los Angeles city attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto called the ruling a legal victory and said it reaffirmed the principle that local governments can decide how to allocate personnel and resources. The White House declined comment when approached for a response. The administration’s filing argued the ordinance “barr[ed] city resources from being used to aid immigration enforcement operations or collect information about individuals’ citizenship status,” alleging a violation of federal law.

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The Trump administration argues the ordinance unlawfully obstructs federal immigration enforcement and violates federal statutes. City officials counter that the policy protects community members from fear of immigration consequences, encouraging cooperation with local police, and does not impede lawful federal operations.

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• “reinforces the well-established principle that local governments have the authority to decide how to use their personnel and resources” — Hydee Feldstein Soto, Los Angeles city attorney

The Straits Times

• “The goal of this ordinance, and of LAPD’s immigration-related policies – which date back to special order 40 in the 1970s – is to encourage victims of and witnesses to crime to feel safe coming forward to seek help from LAPD regardless of their immigration status. It does not obstruct or impede lawful federal immigration enforcement operations.” — Hydee Feldstein Soto, Los Angeles city attorney

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• “controls the actions of the City's own agents and agencies.” — Judge Fernando Olguin, U.S. District Judge

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Judge Olguin’s order permits the Justice Department to file an amended complaint, indicating that the litigation may resume. Any revised filing could test the limits of municipal sanctuary policies and may prompt additional challenges in other jurisdictions.

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