Trump Administration Wins Procedural Victory in California Lawsuit over Military Deployment

Strategic Insights -

California's challenge of the Trump administration's military deployment in Los Angeles returned to a federal courtroom in San Francisco on Friday, following an appeals court ruling that allowed President Trump to keep control of National Guard troops deployed in response to protests over immigration raids. The hearing was brief, with U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer putting off issuing any additional rulings and instead asking for briefings from both sides on whether the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits troops from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil, is being violated in Los Angeles. The hearing came a day after the 9th Circuit appellate panel allowed the president to keep control of National Guard troops.

Key Takeaways:

  • California's challenge to the Trump administration's military deployment in Los Angeles returned to a federal courtroom in San Francisco on Friday.
  • The 9th Circuit appellate panel allowed President Trump to keep control of National Guard troops deployed in response to protests over immigration raids.
  • U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer put off issuing any additional rulings and instead asked for briefings from both sides on whether the Posse Comitatus Act is being violated in Los Angeles.
  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed that violating the Posse Comitatus Act is imminent, but Breyer postponed considering that allegation last week.
  • U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, a marine veteran, met with troops and claimed that the president's decision to send in federal troops was legitimate and would be repeated if necessary.
  • National Guard troops have been accompanying federal agents on some immigration raids, and marines briefly detained a man on the first day they deployed to protect a federal building.
  • The Associated Press reported that tens of thousands have marched peacefully in Los Angeles since June 8, and demonstrations have calmed after sometimes-violent clashes between protesters and police.
  • The deployment of National Guard troops has been accompanied by federal agents on some immigration raids.

Statistics:

  • 9th Circuit appellate panel allowed President Trump to keep control of National Guard troops deployed in response to protests over immigration raids.
  • Tens of thousands have marched peacefully in Los Angeles since June 8.
  • National Guard troops have briefly detained a man on the first day they deployed to protect a federal building.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, "California's challenge of the Trump administration's military deployment in L.A. returns to federal courtroom",
  • Getty Images, "A demonstrator holds up a sign protesting National Guard presence in Los Angeles" (photo by Mario Tama),
  • 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.