A federal judge in San Francisco has determined that the Trump administration violated federal law by deploying California National Guard troops to Los Angeles during a dispute with Governor Gavin Newsom over immigration enforcement. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, found that President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth breached the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement.
Judge Breyer wrote in his decision, “The evidence at trial established that Defendants systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles.” He further stated that there is an “ongoing risk that defendants will act unlawfully,” issuing an injunction against further violations.
The deployment began after protests erupted in response to immigration raids earlier this summer. About 4,000 National Guard members were sent to the area. During last month’s bench trial, California argued that the troops’ actions crossed into active law enforcement. The Department of Justice maintained they were only protecting federal workers.
Breyer’s ruling referenced public statements from Trump and Hegseth about plans to potentially federalize National Guard units elsewhere, describing it as an effort toward creating a national police force under presidential control.
Following the decision, Attorney General Rob Bonta filed for an injunction seeking to prevent the Pentagon from extending the Guard’s deployment through November 5—the day after voters are scheduled to decide on redrawing congressional boundaries. Governor Newsom criticized the timing of the extension: “The timing of Trump’s extension of the National Guard soldiers isn’t coincidental — he’s holding onto soldiers through Election Day,” Newsom said. “There was never a need and there is not a need now for soldiers to be deployed against their communities.”
Newsom also stated: “The federal government hasn’t even tried to justify keeping the military in Los Angeles because they can’t. The reality is this — they want to continue their intimidation tactics to scare Californians into submission.”
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly responded: “Once again, a rogue judge is trying to usurp the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to protect American cities from violence and destruction… While far-left courts try to stop President Trump from carrying out his mandate to Make America Safe Again, the President is committed to protecting law-abiding citizens, and this will not be the final say on the issue.”
On social media platform X, Newsom’s office posted: ”The people of California won much-needed accountability against Trump’s ILLEGAL militarization of an American city!” The governor called for withdrawal of remaining troops.
At a news conference, Bonta remarked: “The order validates that the power of the president is not boundless. Trump is not king.” He added confidence in prevailing in any future legal proceedings regarding troop deployments: “We believe we are on solid ground… Whatever the federal government decides to do, we believe that we will be able to defend this important order.”
Previously, Judge Breyer ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by bypassing Newsom when ordering troop deployment but was overturned by an appeals court stating Newsom lacked veto power over presidential orders regarding such matters.
Breyer described his latest ruling as “narrowly tailored” since it applies only within California. He cited concerns about improper training for current troops still stationed near Los Angeles.
It remains unclear how this decision may influence future domestic use of National Guard forces.
