In a brief order, the justices agreed to the Justice Department’s request to block a lower court ruling that had restricted the raids. That earlier order, issued on July 11 by Los Angeles-based U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong, barred agents from detaining people based solely on their race, ethnicity, or language. Judge Frimpong argued the administration’s practices likely violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority allowed the raids to resume while litigation continues. The three liberal justices publicly dissented, signaling concern over the government’s reliance on broad profiling tactics that critics argue amount to racial discrimination.

In defending its approach, the Justice Department told the court that enforcement agents need a “reasonably broad profile” to operate effectively in regions like Southern California, where the administration estimates about 10% of residents are undocumented. The government contends that such methods are necessary for carrying out Trump’s pledge of mass deportations.

The ruling has sparked fear across immigrant communities in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, where armed, masked agents have conducted aggressive operations. Local activists and civil rights groups have organized protests, warning that the raids unfairly target people based on appearance or language. Multiple lawsuits have also been filed challenging the constitutionality of the administration’s tactics.

Trump, who secured reelection last year on promises of record deportations, has repeatedly turned to the Supreme Court when lower courts blocked his policies. With a 6-3 conservative majority, the nation’s highest court has generally upheld his immigration agenda, further strengthening his authority to pursue sweeping enforcement measures.