URGENT UPDATE: A federal judge has just ordered the Trump administration to immediately cease the deployment of the California National Guard in Los Angeles. This pivotal ruling demands the return of control of the troops back to the state, marking a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday, responding to California officials’ objections against President Donald Trump‘s controversial decision to utilize state Guard troops without the governor’s consent. This ruling emphasizes the changing circumstances in Los Angeles since the initial troop deployment in June, where more than 4,000 guardsmen were called up, but that number has dwindled to approximately 100 in the area as of late October.
Despite the judge’s order, the decision is temporarily on hold until Monday, allowing the Trump administration time to respond. California officials argue that the federal government’s continued use of the National Guard for immigration enforcement is no longer justified, given the reduced troop presence and changing conditions on the ground.
The Trump administration had extended the deployment of the California National Guard until February 2024, aiming to deploy troops not only in Los Angeles but also in Portland, Oregon, to exert federal control in Democratic-led cities. This strategy has faced intense opposition from local mayors and governors, who argue it undermines state authority.
The U.S. Justice Department maintains that the presence of Guard members in Los Angeles is essential for protecting federal personnel and property, highlighting the ongoing tension between state and federal control.
As this legal battle unfolds, the implications are significant for both state governance and federal immigration policy. Residents of Los Angeles and beyond are watching closely as this situation develops, with potential impacts on community safety and federal intervention in state matters.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it continues to evolve.
