California Governor Gavin Newsom Declares Trump’s National Guard Deployment Illegal in LA

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared US President Donald Trump’s sending of National Guard troops to Los Angeles illegal. The troops were dispatched to assist in quelling ongoing protests triggered by Trump’s forceful enforcement of immigration policies.

The protests have been going on for three consecutive days, and police-demonstrator confrontations have fueled the city’s tensions. Governor Newsom has called on the Trump administration to recall the deployment order and said he plans to sue over what he describes as an infringement on California state sovereignty.

National Guard Deployed Amid Escalating Protests

National Guard soldiers were seen on the streets of Los Angeles on Sunday. Their main role was to guard federal facilities in the face of mass demonstrations over immigration raids. Police reported arresting several hundred as the protests grew more violent.

Officers labeled multiple rallies “unlawful assemblies” due to protesters hurling concrete, bottles, and other items. Footage captured self-driving vehicles belonging to Alphabet’s Waymo being torched, while horse-mounted police struggled to keep up with the crowds.

Governor Newsom Denounces Trump’s Actions

Governor Newsom blamed President Trump for creating a crisis and exceeding legal limits. Newsom stated that the president’s actions were akin to a dictator, not a democratically elected president.

In an interview on MSNBC, Newsom affirmed his plans to sue the federal government. Newsom cited that the deployment was an infringement of the state’s rights and a contributor of tension instead of quelling it.

Law Enforcement Faces Difficult Decisions

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell conceded that the protests were getting out of hand. While not wanting to depend on the National Guard, McDonnell confessed the violence compelled a retooling of law enforcement tactics.

President Trump called the police chief on Twitter to shut down protesters forcefully, labeling them “thugs” and insisting they not be permitted to “get away” with violence.

White House Defends Deployment

The White House dismissed Newsom’s accusations as “chaos, violence, and lawlessness.” They wrote the role of the National Guard was only to safeguard federal property and personnel.

Approximately 300 California National Guard troops were sent to protect three strategic locations. Trump wrote the protesters were “violent, insurrectionist mobs” and hinted at strong action, including potential use of the Insurrection Act if needed.

Tensions Run High As Threats of Military Involvement Loom

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the Pentagon to stand ready to call up active-duty troops should violence further increase. Marines in Camp Pendleton outside of Los Angeles are on alert, ready to move out if necessary. About 500 Marines are ready as the tension stays high.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attributed the escalation of tensions to the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard. Nevertheless, she also denounced acts of violence by the protesters, calling for calm and order. Immigration activists such as Vanessa Cárdenas accused the Trump administration of abusing power and compelling confrontations through forceful immigration enforcement.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the US government’s strategy, demanding broad immigration reform over raids and violence. Trump’s immigration enforcement will deport thousands every day, focusing on illegal migrants and provoking court battles, particularly in immigrant-heavy communities such as Los Angeles.

Legal Question Over National Guard Deployment

Trump rationalized the deployment of the National Guard under Title 10 of the US Code. Nevertheless, the statute has a provision that mandates that orders go through state governors, which may cast doubt on the legality of the deployment without Governor Newsom’s approval. Federal deployment under Title 10 is only permitted in instances of rebellion or threats to US sovereignty. The activities of the troops are limited to defending federal property and personnel, not routine law enforcement activities.

The street unrest in Los Angeles points to the deep fault lines over federal control and immigration enforcement. In legal battles that are being waged, California seeks to thwart the federal government’s move to preempt state sovereignty, while street demonstrations go on amidst heightened tensions and fears of spreading violence.