Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Over Los Angeles Sanctuary Ordinance

A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against Los Angeles' sanctuary city ordinance, ruling that the city's policy does not violate intergovernmental immunity. The decision, issued before June 22, 2026, found the government's claims failed to show the ordinance directly regulates federal operations.

The judge granted the administration permission to file an amended complaint by July 3, 2026.

The Trump administration filed the suit in June 2025 in California's Central District federal court. It alleged the ordinance discriminates against federal immigration agents and hinders enforcement during a period of increased arrests and protests in Southern California.

The complaint also referenced the deployment of the California National Guard and United States Marines to address unrest following those arrests. The ordinance itself was proposed in early 2023 and took final form after the November 2024 presidential election.

What the Ordinance Requires Under the measure, city employees and property cannot be used to investigate, cite, arrest, hold, transfer, or detain individuals for immigration enforcement except in cases involving serious offenses. City staff are also barred from inquiring about immigration status unless required to deliver a city service, and any such data must remain confidential.

City officials stated the policy does not obstruct lawful federal operations and simply governs how local personnel and resources are deployed.

The mayor said the ruling protects immigrants and all city residents from federal pressure and that Los Angeles will prepare for a possible appeal. The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.