Is Trump’s Deployment of National Guard to LA Legal?

Jun 09, 2025 Khushi Kumari

Trump activated 2,000 California National Guard troops under Title 10, bypassing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s control

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Title 10 §12406 allows federalizing state Guards during rebellions or when laws can’t be enacted by conventional means

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Under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, federal troops, including Guard when federalized, can’t engage in civilian law enforcement

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Federalized Guard can only protect ICE agents and federal property—not directly arrest or police protesters

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Trump chose Title 10 over the Insurrection Act, which would allow active military use—a controversial distinction

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Critics argue the move violates state sovereignty and civil liberties due to lack of governor's consent

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Newsom called the deployment "purposefully inflammatory," insisting local law enforcement was handling the unrest

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