Federal Judge Orders End to National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to cease the deployment of California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ruling the action exceeded presidential authority. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted a preliminary injunction sought by California officials, directing the federal government to return control of the troops to Governor Gavin Newsom. The order is stayed until Monday, allowing time for a potential appeal.

The deployment began in June when President Trump federalized approximately 4,000 California National Guard members in response to protests over immigration enforcement. Despite opposition from state and local officials, the administration maintained that the troops were necessary to protect federal property and personnel. By late October, the number of federalized troops had decreased to about 100.

California officials argued that the conditions justifying the federalization had changed, rendering the continued deployment unlawful. Judge Breyer's ruling emphasized the importance of constitutional checks and balances, stating that the president's authority to command National Guard troops is specifically tied to the existence of a present exigency. The administration contended that threats to federal agents persisted, citing a recent incident involving an attempted attack on a federal building in Los Angeles.

This decision marks a significant legal setback for the administration's efforts to deploy federal troops in Democratic-led cities without state consent. Similar federal attempts in cities like Portland and Chicago have also been blocked by other courts. The Trump administration is expected to appeal Judge Breyer's ruling.