Judge Halts Trump’s Deployment of California National Guard in Los Angeles
A recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has halted the deployment of California National Guard members in Los Angeles. This decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration, which has been attempting to federalize the state’s National Guard under Title 10.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Deployment of California National Guard
On Wednesday, Judge Breyer directed that control of the California National Guard be returned to Governor Gavin Newsom. The judge’s ruling underscores the ongoing tension between state authority and federal powers regarding National Guard deployment, particularly in immigration-related efforts.
Key Facts from the Ruling
- Judge: U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer
- Date of Decision: Recent ruling made on Wednesday
- Governor: Gavin Newsom (Democrat)
- National Guard Troops Affected: Approximately 300
- Federal Control Deadline: Troops to remain in federal service until February 2
- Title 10: The law under which the troops were federalized
Judge Breyer criticized the Trump administration for retaining control over the Guard without sufficient justification. He highlighted that no evidence showed federal law enforcement had been obstructed.
California’s Legal Challenges
Attorney General Rob Bonta celebrated the ruling, stating it prevents the National Guard from being used as a “traveling national police force.” He emphasized that the administration has improperly held these troops under federal control for political purposes.
Background of the Case
The Trump administration had previously invoked Title 10 law in June to federalize members of the California National Guard in response to protests against immigration enforcement. Following this, the administration initially federalized around 4,000 Guardsmen, with the intention of deploying some to various locations for immigration operations.
Governor Newsom’s legal action aimed to revert the federalization of the National Guard. Breyer had already issued a temporary restraining order in June, stating the initial order to federalize did not meet the necessary legal criteria.
Current Status and Implications
As of now, the Trump administration has kept around 300 California National Guard troops under federal control despite the calming of violence that had initially justified their deployment. The administration contends that the court lacks authority to review the president’s federalization orders, an assertion Breyer refuted.
The judge indicated that the continued federalization could lead to a scenario where a president could maintain a perpetual police force using state troops. Judge Breyer intends to pause his order until Monday, allowing time for a potential appeal by the Justice Department.
With this ruling, Judge Breyer not only reinforces state control over its National Guard but also sets a precedent regarding the limits of federal authority, especially in the realm of immigration enforcement.
