 | | | |  | | | Justice Denied: New Rulings Undermine Immigrant & Constitutional Rights | | In two separate rulings this month, the Supreme Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) have stripped away protections that for decades shielded communities from racial profiling and indefinite detention. These decisions endanger immigrant families, undermining principles of justice and equality. | | Supreme Court Ruling: Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo | | In a 6–3 emergency docket decision, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a lower court order that blocked immigration agents from racially profiling people in Los Angeles. This new ruling allows agents to stop and question people based on appearance, language, occupation, or location. The unsigned order in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo temporarily overturns rulings from both the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which blocked immigration agents from targeting people simply because they “look Latino, speak Spanish, or appear to work a low-wage job.” By lifting these protections, the Court has greenlit discriminatory enforcement that threatens everyone; immigrant families, U.S. citizens, and lawful residents alike. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson joined to dissent in the ruling. | | “That decision is yet another grave misuse of our emergency docket. We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job. Rather than stand idly by while our constitutional freedoms are lost, I dissent.” - Justice Sotomayor | | This order is not a final ruling, and the case will continue at the Ninth Circuit. However, the decision to intervene on its emergency docket signals that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court is prepared to normalize discriminatory enforcement tactics. By targeting entire communities, the Court has undermined constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and opened the door to authoritarian practices that erode fundamental rights. The decision signals a dangerous expansion of unchecked power. By allowing agents to stop and interrogate people on the basis of how they look, the language they speak, or where they work, the Court has endorsed racial profiling as a lawful practice. The ruling is expected to embolden federal agents to expand raids beyond Los Angeles, spreading fear nationwide. While immigrant communities are the most likely targets of this practice, in truth all are at risk. While the legal fight continues, the ruling underscores the urgent need for collective resistance to mass raids, racial profiling, and the broader attack on immigrant rights | | | | On September 5, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a new ruling in Matter of Yajure Hurtado that eliminates bond hearings for many immigrants in deportation proceedings, subjecting them to mandatory detention, even if they have strong claims to stay in the country. Previously, those detained without criminal records could ask an immigration judge for bond if they were not considered a danger or a flight risk and could prove that they had lived in the U.S. for more than two years. The new ruling declares that anyone who entered the U.S. without authorization is no longer entitled to ask an immigration judge for release on bond while their cases are pending, overturning decades of legal precedent that allowed long-time residents without criminal records to reunite with their families. This decision will not only separate families and expand the use of inhumane detention centers, but also pressure many immigrants to abandon valid cases and accept deportation | | | | While these rulings threaten immigrant and constitutional rights, it is up to us to resist and stand up for our communities. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and other organizations have equipped communities with ways to protect immigrant workers and get involved. Resources from NDLON: Join a rally or vigil on September 18th Stand in solidarity with immigrant workers ahead of the September 24th federal court hearing by showing up to your local federal courthouse. Register to host an event here, or sign up for an existing event here. Adopt a Day Laborer Corner Support immigrant workers by joining a day laborer gathering site in your area. Your presence strengthens community protection and helps resist racial profiling. To sign up click here. Call the National Hotline If you are a U.S. citizen stopped or arrested by ICE, or if you witness this happening, call 626-214-8436 immediately. | |  | Additional Resources & Mobilizations: Take Part in the NO KINGS Day of Protest On October 18th millions will rise to declare “No Crown. No Kings.” To register to host or join an existing event near you click here. Bay Resistance Bay Resistance organizes communities to protect human rights and fight for justice. To check their events calendar for local events, trainings, and ways to take action click here. Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) The ILRC provides tools and downloadable resources to support immigrant communities. To learn more about their community resources click here. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Hotlines CHIRLA’s hotlines connect you with information, resources, and support in California. 888-624-4752 Immigrant Assistance Referral Line 213-201-3797 Legal Assistance Line 213 201-8773 Worker Legal Service Line Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Hotline ICIRR’s Family Support Network Hotline connects immigrant communities in Illinois to legal aid, social services, healthcare referrals, DACA/citizenship workshops, and rapid response reporting. 855-435-7693 Family Support Hotline | | | | | | | | | | Every contribution makes a difference. We are deeply grateful for your solidarity and partnership. | | | | Your contributions support NNIRR to: Advocate for immigration policy that centers human rights Lift up grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy Spotlight human rights organizing at the US-Mexico border Advocate for international migrant rights & human rights at borders Organize at the intersections of gender, climate justice, and migrant rights | | | | | | | | National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) 310 8th ST, Suite #310 Oakland, CA 94607 Oakland, CA | El Paso, TX | [email protected] | nnirr.org | | | | | | | | | |
