California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have taken legal action against President Donald Trump, filing an emergency motion to halt what they describe as the unlawful militarization of Los Angeles. This move follows President Trump’s decision to deploy 4,000 California National Guard soldiers and U.S. Marines in the area for immigration enforcement.
Governor Newsom stated, “The federal government is now turning the military against American citizens. Sending trained warfighters onto the streets is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy. Donald Trump is behaving like a tyrant, not a President.”
Attorney General Bonta added, “The President is looking for any pretense to place military forces on American streets to intimidate and quiet those who disagree with him. It’s not just immoral — It’s illegal and dangerous.”
The lawsuit accuses Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense of violating constitutional rights by federalizing Cal Guard personnel without state consent. The deployment followed protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles that began on June 6.
Protests were sparked by ICE’s actions during these operations, including arrests that heightened community tensions. Local law enforcement managed these protests without federal assistance despite their lack of prior notice from the federal government.
President Trump’s order on June 7 authorized the call-up of National Guard personnel under Title 10 authority without Governor Newsom’s consent. The memorandum declared a rebellion against U.S. authority but lacked specificity to California alone.
Additionally, the Department of Defense expanded Cal Guard duties to include assisting ICE in civilian law enforcement activities—a direct violation according to Newsom’s administration.
Governor Newsom criticized Trump’s actions as hypocritical given his previous stance in 2020 against federalizing National Guard members without state approval.
Since Trump’s memo was issued, California has worked with local partners to bolster law enforcement presence in Los Angeles while managing public safety concerns arising from increased military presence.
