A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump acted unlawfully when he took control of the California National Guard during protests related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. The decision came from U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer, who sided with California Governor Gavin Newsom. The judge ordered Trump to promptly return control of the National Guard back to the state.
The ruling, issued on a Thursday, stated that Trump’s actions exceeded his legal authority and violated the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Judge Breyer emphasized that even the president cannot make decisions unilaterally, stating, "Federalism is not optional."
The controversy began when Trump invoked federal authority to mobilize the National Guard in response to violent protests against ICE. These protests had escalated into riots, looting, and confrontations with federal agents. However, Judge Breyer dismissed the justification for federal intervention as constitutionally flawed.
In his order, the judge granted a temporary restraining order, halting any federal control over the California National Guard. He instructed that the Guard members should not be deployed in Los Angeles and mandated their immediate return to Governor Newsom.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling, describing it as a significant move toward protecting state rights and community safety. He argued that the situation in Los Angeles did not warrant a military response and criticized the federal government’s actions as illegal and an overreach of authority.
Bonta also pointed out that top retired military officials supported their lawsuit against the federal government. He stressed that the president’s actions were not just unlawful but also dangerous, asserting that there was no rebellion or invasion that justified such a military presence.
The judge’s order is temporarily stayed until June 13, 2025, giving the federal government time to respond. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling, claiming it jeopardizes the safety of federal officials.
As tensions continue in Los Angeles, the legal battle over the authority of the National Guard and the balance of state and federal power remains a pressing issue.