Ahead of a court hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Governor Gavin Newsom is taking steps to address what he calls “Trump’s unlawful militarization of Los Angeles.” The controversy began when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted operations in Los Angeles without notifying local law enforcement. These actions led to public protests and prompted President Trump to declare control over the state’s National Guard.
Governor Newsom responded by deploying additional California Highway Patrol officers and enlisting local law enforcement partners. Despite these measures, Trump federalized the National Guard, a move Newsom described as “unnecessary, unwelcome, and unsafe.”
The governor has formally requested that the federalization be rescinded. He also filed a lawsuit with Attorney General Rob Bonta to challenge Trump’s order. A federal judge in San Francisco ruled in favor of Newsom, ordering the return of control over the National Guard to the state.
Newsom argues that Trump’s actions threaten state rights and public safety. Military veterans have also criticized the use of military forces for domestic purposes. Janessa Goldbeck from VoteVets stated: “When a president uses the military to police his own people, we are no longer in the realm of democratic governance—we are witnessing the rehearsal of authoritarian rule.”
Former military leaders have expressed concerns about involving troops in political controversies, which they believe could harm recruitment and public support for military budgets.
The financial implications are significant, with taxpayers covering $134 million for what Newsom calls an illegal militarization display. Additionally, firefighting resources have been diverted due to this situation.
Governor Newsom continues discussions with law enforcement and plans to increase their presence in Los Angeles. He also highlights broader mental health initiatives as part of his administration’s efforts.
A new website has been launched by Governor Newsom’s office to provide updates on these developments.
