A federal court has temporarily halted President Trump’s plan to maintain control over thousands of California National Guard troops in Los Angeles. This decision comes from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which issued an emergency stay late Thursday. The court’s ruling pauses a previous order that would have required Trump to return control of the troops to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The legal battle began after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled earlier that Trump exceeded his authority by mobilizing the National Guard during protests against immigration raids. Judge Breyer stated that the president must return the troops to state control by noon on Friday. However, the 9th Circuit has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, meaning the troops will remain under federal control for now.
In his 36-page ruling, Breyer expressed concern about the implications of the Trump administration’s justification for the troop deployment. He noted that the administration’s argument that protests could be seen as a rebellion poses a threat to civil liberties. Newsom, who filed the lawsuit with the state of California, celebrated the ruling as a victory for democracy, emphasizing that the situation did not warrant military intervention.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed these sentiments, stating that the deployment of the National Guard was unnecessary and only served to escalate tensions during the protests. The Trump administration has indicated it will appeal the ruling.
During the court proceedings, Judge Breyer questioned the Justice Department’s stance that courts should not challenge the president’s decisions on significant legal matters. He emphasized that the president’s authority is not absolute and should not infringe upon state sovereignty.
The controversy surrounding the National Guard deployment stems from recent protests in Los Angeles against immigration raids. The protests, which included some instances of violence, prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and additional U.S. Marines to the area. Trump argued that the military presence was essential to restore order, claiming that without it, Los Angeles would have faced severe unrest.
The ruling has garnered support from attorneys general across 18 states, showcasing a broader concern about federal overreach in state matters. As the legal proceedings continue, the situation remains tense, with many closely watching the outcome of the scheduled hearing next week.