A federal judge has ordered the immediate cessation of National Guard deployment in Los Angeles. This ruling is a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, which has been facing criticism for utilizing armed troops to manage protests. The decision was announced on Wednesday by Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer.
Judge Breyer’s Ruling
Judge Breyer mandated that the control of the remaining 300 federalized National Guard troops be returned to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Governor Newsom initiated the legal action against the administration in June after the Trump administration deployed thousands of troops in response to protests related to immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
Legal Background
Breyer deemed the deployment illegal, a ruling that had previously faced a reversal by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate court provided significant latitude to the Trump administration, allowing it discretion in determining whether a rebellion was occurring in Los Angeles, as asserted by the Justice Department.
Related Deployments in Oregon
A similar situation unfolded in Oregon, where 200 California National Guard troops were sent to control demonstrations at an ICE facility. However, the judicial outcomes differed, as the Oregon deployment was vacated, with the appellate court currently reviewing the case.
Supreme Court Involvement
The Supreme Court is also examining a comparable challenge regarding National Guard deployment in Illinois. Legal representatives from the Department of Justice have contended that federalized state troops remain under presidential command indefinitely. Judge Breyer countered this notion, arguing it contradicts existing law.
Concerns Over Federal Authority
Breyer expressed concerns that allowing the President unchecked control over state troops would fundamentally disrupt the federalism principles of the U.S. government. He stated, “Adopting Defendants’ interpretation would permit a president to create a perpetual police force comprised of state troops.”
Reactions to the Ruling
The ruling was met with support from California officials. Governor Newsom remarked that the deployment of National Guard troops against local communities was unjust. He emphasized that these servicemembers should return to their essential state duties.
- Governor Gavin Newsom: Called the ruling a positive shift in the ongoing legal struggle against federal troop deployment.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta: Described it as a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law.
The judge’s order is effective from Monday, but an appeal to the 9th Circuit is anticipated, indicating that the legal challenges surrounding this issue are far from over.
