California Judge Declares Trump's Deployment of National Guard to LA Unlawful

In June, members of the California National Guard stood alongside U.S. Marines to secure a federal building.

A federal judge in California has for the second occasion deemed President Trump's order to send the National Guard to Los Angeles illegal, emphasizing that it undertook policing responsibilities which the military is barred from performing. However, District Judge Charles R. Breyer has postponed his ruling's enforcement until September 12, allowing the Trump administration a window for appeal.

Last month, a trial was held where evidence was presented about Task Force 51 operations—comprising guard units—stationed in Los Angeles. State attorneys contested with federal government's lawyers about whether these troops violated the longstanding prohibition on military performing civilian law enforcement duties.

"Extensive evidence shows that Task Force 51 unlawfully enforced domestic laws," Breyer documented in a 52-page decision. He pointed out occasions where these troops established traffic checks to assist federal agents they were associated with. "Spectators and even federal officials had difficulties differentiating between Task Force 51 members and federal law enforcement."

An additional instance highlighted by Breyer was when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed Guard troops to patrol MacArthur Park, demonstrating federal authority.

Earlier, in June, Breyer had ruled the deployment improper on different grounds, but an appellate court panel quickly countered, allowing Trump to retain command over the troops.

Trump defended his decision by arguing that the troops were necessary to quell what he deemed a revolt and prevent obstructions to immigration officers. Nonetheless, officials in California argued there was no insurrection and insisted that local police could have managed without military involvement.