S.F. federal judge rules Trump troop deployment in LA illegal

A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles is illegal, ordering the return of control to Governor Gavin Newsom. The lawsuit, initiated by Newsom, aimed to restrict troops to guarding federal buildings and prevent their involvement in workplace raids by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Judge Charles Breyer highlighted the urgency of the case, questioning whether Trump fulfilled the legal criteria under U.

S. code 12406 for troop deployment amid protests. Federal attorney Brett Shumate contended that the court should not intervene, framing the conditions for deployment as political decisions solely for the president. Breyer countered, emphasizing the necessity of compliance with constitutional law, likening the current situation to historical monarchy. California Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Green criticized the federal government's expansive interpretation of executive power, asserting that Congress must grant authority for troop deployment.

The ruling reflects significant concerns over the balance of power between state and federal authorities. Following the ruling, 140 Marines are set to replace National Guard troops in Los Angeles.