Los angeles: A US federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's alleged unlawful stops and arrests in Los Angeles, which have reportedly instilled fear among residents, pushed immigrants into hiding, and negatively impacted the local economy.

According to Anadolu Agency, District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong issued this ruling after a hearing in a lawsuit filed by several immigrant rights groups, along with three immigrants and two American citizens. The Los Angeles Times reported that the lawsuit highlighted incidents where individuals were detained without just cause, including instances where one American was held despite showing proper identification.

Judge Frimpong stated that there was sufficient evidence indicating that federal agents were stopping individuals based on race, language, occupation, or location, such as Home Depot or car washes. She emphasized that these factors do not satisfy the Fourth Amendment's standards for reasonable suspicion of immigration law violations.

The judge further noted that federal agents cannot use these factors to justify detaining individuals. Additionally, she mandated that detainees at the downtown facility known as B-18 must have 24-hour access to attorneys and a confidential phone line.

The plaintiffs in the case accused immigration agents of targeting individuals based on skin color in various locations across Southern California, conducting operations without reasonable suspicion. They also alleged that agents failed to properly identify themselves and proceeded with warrantless arrests.

The lawsuit contends that detainees were subjected to poor conditions at B-18, with limited access to legal counsel, food, and water. Judge Frimpong agreed with the plaintiffs, suggesting they have a strong chance of prevailing at trial.

Data released by the Department of Homeland Security revealed that nearly 2,800 undocumented individuals have been arrested since June 6, underscoring the scope of the operations in question.