California Sues Over ‍Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles

‍ Updated June 9, 2025
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California is launching⁣ a lawsuit against President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. Attorney General ‍Rob ⁢Bonta announced the legal action Monday, arguing that the⁢ president’s move ⁢infringed upon the state’s sovereignty.

Bonta⁢ stated that the state does “not take lightly to the president abusing his authority and unlawfully mobilizing California⁣ National Guard troops.” He intends to seek⁤ a court order⁤ declaring Trump’s use⁤ of the Guard unlawful and ⁤request a restraining order to halt the deployment. The lawsuit⁢ highlights the ongoing tension between the state and the federal government regarding immigration policy⁣ and the role of federal‍ intervention.

The streets of Los Angeles were calm Monday morning,though the lingering smell of smoke indicated the previous day’s unrest. Protesters had blocked a major freeway and set self-driving cars ablaze, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Police responded with ⁤tear gas,rubber bullets,and flash-bang grenades. A strong law enforcement⁢ presence remained, with police cars guarding the federal detention⁤ facility that had become a focal point for demonstrations.

Bonta contends that Trump’s announcement of the National Guard deployment fueled ⁤the protesters’ anger, ⁤culminating in Sunday’s ⁤confrontations with law⁢ enforcement in downtown Los Angeles.”This ⁤was not inevitable,” Bonta‍ saeid, suggesting that a different approach could have prevented the escalation.

While much of ⁢Los Angeles remained unaffected, several downtown blocks experienced clashes. Cleanup efforts are expected to take days, involving the removal of debris from burned vehicles and the removal of graffiti from City hall and nearby buildings.sunday marked the third and most intense day of protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown,with‍ the arrival of the first 300 National Guard troops sparking fear and anger among many residents.

President‍ Trump⁢ defended his decision, stating Monday that Los Angeles would have been “entirely obliterated” without the National Guard deployment. Speaking later at a White House event, he added that state leaders “were afraid‍ to do anything.”

According to U.S.officials, approximately 1,000 National Guard ⁤members were in Los Angeles under federal orders by‍ midday Monday. The full contingent ‍of 2,000 members authorized‍ by the president was expected to be on the ground ‍by the end⁤ of the day. These ⁢officials spoke anonymously to discuss military operations.

What’s next

The lawsuit is expected to be filed imminently, ⁣setting the stage for a⁤ legal battle over the president’s⁣ authority to deploy the National Guard in⁣ response to protests. The outcome could have meaningful implications for the relationship between⁤ the federal government and⁤ states, particularly concerning immigration enforcement and states’ rights.