A federal judge has ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, denying California Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency motion to block the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in Los Angeles. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer on June 10, 2025, allows federal forces to remain in the city amid protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Newsom’s lawsuit, filed with Attorney General Rob Bonta, argued that Trump’s federalization of the California National Guard without gubernatorial consent violated the U.S. Constitution and the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement. The state sought a temporary restraining order to halt the troops’ activities beyond guarding federal buildings, claiming the deployment escalates tensions and infringes on state sovereignty.
Trump authorized the deployment to counter protests that erupted June 6, 2025, following ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants, some of whom were reportedly deported despite legal status. Newsom called the move “an unprecedented power grab,” accusing Trump of manufacturing chaos for political gain. The judge’s ruling, however, found California’s motion “legally meritless,” stating it would jeopardize federal personnel safety and hinder immigration enforcement. A hearing is set for Thursday to further review the case, but the decision marks a significant victory for Trump, who has vowed to maintain the troops until “no danger” remains.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment will last 60 days, costing taxpayers $134 million, covering logistics for troops protecting federal facilities and assisting ICE agents. Critics, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, argue the military presence inflames unrest, with a downtown curfew imposed to curb vandalism. X posts reflect polarized sentiment, with some celebrating Trump’s “law and order” stance, while others decry the ruling as enabling authoritarianism. The Democratic Governors Association and civil liberties groups like the ACLU have condemned the deployment, warning it sets a dangerous precedent.
The ruling intensifies the clash between Trump and Newsom, who has framed the issue as a broader assault on democracy. Trump’s supporters, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, praise the president’s decisive action, claiming Newsom failed to control the protests. As tensions persist, with over 100 arrests and reports of rubber bullets used, the standoff underscores deep national divisions over immigration policy and federal authority.
