A U.S. District Judge has ruled against President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, marking a significant legal setback for the administration.
Judge Charles Breyer’s 35-page opinion declares the deployment illegal, ordering the return of the troops to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s control. This ruling comes in response to Trump’s decision to send thousands of National Guard members to the city amidst violent protests and riots related to immigration enforcement.
Initially, around 300 California National Guard members remained under federal jurisdiction, although Trump’s administration had previously withdrawn the bulk of the forces. The situation heightened when California officials, including Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit challenging the federalization of state troops. Breyer’s ruling upheld the state’s argument.
In his detailed opinion, Breyer stated that Trump did not possess the statutory authority necessary for such deployments. He underscored that federal troops could only be called upon in instances of invasion or rebellion, or when the President could not effectively enforce federal laws using regular forces. In his words, “Without a demonstration that the President’s ability to execute the law is currently being impeded at the time of deployment, he lacks adequate grounds for federalization.” The judge rejected claims of a law enforcement failure in Los Angeles and pointed to the system of checks and balances designed by the Founding Fathers, noting, “Defendants, however, make clear that the only check they want is a blank one.”
The White House quickly responded to the ruling, defending Trump’s actions as lawful. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that the President acted within his rights to deploy troops “to support federal officers and assets following violent riots that local leaders like Newsom refused to stop.” The administration expresses confidence in a successful appeal, with Jackson stating, “We look forward to ultimate victory on the issue.”
This legal battle could escalate, as Breyer has paused his ruling to allow the Justice Department time to appeal, possibly taking the case to higher courts. The coming days will be critical as both sides prepare to navigate the complexities of this significant legal outcome. The implications of this ruling extend beyond Los Angeles, potentially setting a precedent for future deployments of National Guard troops in response to civil unrest.
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