Judge orders pause on ICE detention facility construction in Gilroy

GILROY, Calif. (KGO) -- A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the federal government from constructing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Gilroy.

The ruling Friday night came after the U.S. District Court heard arguments in the case this week.

Back in June, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Santa Clara County challenged construction of the new ICE facility. They argued that the 24-acre site, which is east of the Gilroy Premium Outlets, violates multiple environmental and immigration laws.

MORE: Community fears potential impacts of proposed ICE detention center near Gilroy school district

"No one is above the law - not even the federal government," said Attorney General Rob Bonta in a statement. "The Trump Administration tried to rush construction of this facility in secret, ignoring environmental safeguards and shutting out the communities that would bear the consequences. This ruling sends a clear message: California will hold the federal government accountable and protect our communities, our environment, and the rule of law."

A final resolution is not expected until October.