In this episode of Civil Action, hosts Brian Kabateck and Shant Karnikian examine how the courts have repeatedly blocked President Trump’s immigration overreach throughout 2025—and what it means for communities across the country.
The discussion centers on the Supreme Court’s recent 6-2-1 decision denying a stay for Trump’s deployment of military troops to round up immigrants in Illinois cities. The ruling affirmed lower court findings that such actions violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits using the military as a domestic police force except in limited circumstances like quelling insurrections—not immigration enforcement.
Brian and Shant break down the gap between Trump’s promises to target criminals and the reality: families being torn apart, children separated from parents, and ordinary undocumented workers swept up in raids. Even Trump supporters, including farmers watching their field laborers disappear, are questioning the approach.
The hosts explore the broader implications, including how immigration enforcement has predominantly targeted Latino communities. Brian draws parallels to California’s 1994 Proposition 187, which devastated the state Republican party for decades, predicting similar long-term political consequences.
Shant highlights how these policies affect integrated communities like Los Angeles, where federal agents have stopped children at gunpoint—terrorizing entire neighborhoods regardless of immigration status.
The episode concludes with a reminder of why constitutional guardrails matter: the courts continue to serve as a check against executive overreach, protecting communities through the rule of law.