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In a landmark development for U.S. immigration policy, President Trump’s expansive new travel ban officially took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on June 9, 2025, triggering immediate legal, humanitarian, and political consequences across the country. At the epicenter of public opposition stands Los Angeles, where federal immigration enforcement under the leadership of newly appointed “border czar” Tom Homan has sparked mass protests, dozens of arrests, and a defiant legal standoff with California state officials. As legal specialists in immigration law, Spar & Bernstein is standing by to protect the rights of those affected and to offer strategic, compassionate legal solutions in this time of uncertainty.
What the Travel Ban Means for Immigrants Today
Under President Trump’s June 4 proclamation, 12 countries now face a total travel ban: Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. An additional seven countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face limited but impactful restrictions on new visa issuance.
While individuals holding current visas, green cards, or with lawful permanent residence are technically exempt, ambiguity and aggressive enforcement at ports of entry could leave many travelers vulnerable. Even humanitarian exemptions for athletes, Special Immigrant Visa holders, or those granted entry under national interest waivers are subject to intense scrutiny and risk delays or denials. The Biden-era protections that once eased barriers for these individuals have now been rolled back. As reported by Al Jazeera, critics have labeled the move discriminatory and a threat to America’s diplomatic credibility.
Los Angeles in Uproar: Raids, Protests, and Political Retaliation
The federal government’s immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles began in earnest on June 6, with coordinated ICE raids in the Fashion District and at a Home Depot location that resulted in the detention of 44 individuals. Over the following days, protests erupted across the city. Demonstrators flooded the streets, some clashing with law enforcement, leading to the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and dozens of arrests. By June 8, the protests had spread to key freeways and included hundreds of participants.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have both publicly condemned the raids and the presence of 2,000 National Guard troops ordered into the city by the Trump administration. Governor Newsom decried the federal operation as “purposefully inflammatory,” and Mayor Bass warned that federal actions were “sowing terror in our immigrant communities.” NBC News reports that Tom Homan responded with a threat to arrest Newsom and Mayor Bass for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement—a legally unprecedented move that many legal experts believe would face immediate constitutional challenges.
Legal Ramifications and Constitutional Conflict
The appointment of Tom Homan, a longtime hardliner on immigration, has intensified what many see as a direct confrontation between federal immigration powers and state sanctuary laws. While federal immigration law supersedes local statutes, the notion of arresting state officials for exercising political dissent or enforcing local non-cooperation policies veers into legally dangerous territory.
According to BBC News, immigration attorneys and constitutional scholars warn that these federal threats may violate the 10th Amendment, which protects states from federal coercion in local law enforcement matters. The deployment of federal troops without explicit state approval has also raised concerns about violations of the Posse Comitatus Act.
How Spar & Bernstein Can Protect Immigrant Families and Communities
Spar & Bernstein is already working with clients and community organizations to mount a multifaceted legal response. Our firm offers robust legal defenses for individuals impacted by the travel ban or who are facing removal proceedings as a result of recent ICE operations.
We assist in:
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Challenging visa denials and expedited removals under the new travel ban.
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Filing emergency motions to stay deportation or detention for detained immigrants.
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Representing protestors or community leaders targeted for speaking out against federal actions.
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Assisting with asylum claims and humanitarian visa filings for affected individuals.
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Defending immigrants against coercive federal actions that may violate their constitutional rights.
We understand the fear and uncertainty this situation has caused. As always, our team remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of immigrant families across the United States. Our history of success, even in the face of aggressive federal policies, is a testament to our belief that no one should face these battles alone.
Hope Through Legal Action
The events unfolding in Los Angeles and the broader implementation of the 2025 travel ban signal a renewed and escalating federal approach to immigration enforcement. However, this moment also presents a clear legal and moral imperative: to defend the constitutional rights of individuals, the integrity of communities, and the legal protections that still endure in the U.S. legal system.
Spar & Bernstein is prepared to meet this moment—through advocacy, litigation, and support. If you or a loved one has been impacted, now is the time to speak to an experienced immigration attorney.