A federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles and ordered the troops be returned to the state governor's control.
In June, Trump sent thousands of National Guard troops to the California city in the wake of protests over his administration ramping up immigration raids in Los Angeles.
US District Judge Charles Breyer stated that the Trump administration had not proven that the city's protests against immigration justified taking federal control of the state's National Guard. The judge noted that the Trump administration still retains control over 300 California National Guard troops six months after they were federalised.
Breyer also denied the administration's argument that the courts should avoid intervening in presidential actions related to state National Guard troops during emergencies. In his ruling, he emphasized, The Founders designed our government to be a system of checks and balances... the only check they want is a blank one.
The order from Judge Breyer will not take effect until December 15, giving the Trump administration time to appeal the decision.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson asserted in response that President Trump acted within his lawful authority to deploy the National Guard to support federal officers in light of violent riots. She expressed confidence in ultimate victory on the matter.
Similar National Guard deployments to cities like Portland and Washington DC have faced legal scrutiny, with varying outcomes. California Governor Gavin Newsom had previously sued after Trump's deployments, although an appeals court sided with the administration initially. He has since re-filed a legal challenge, citing that the protests in Los Angeles have significantly subsided.
During the recent hearing, administration lawyers argued for the troops to remain, claiming continued targeting of federal immigration agents. However, Judge Breyer expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of the troops so long after the initial crises.
Judge Breyer has previously ruled that the manner in which Trump deployed the National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal. His latest decision adds to the growing scrutiny of the president's use of National Guard forces across the nation, as the administration continues to argue that such measures are necessary to combat crime and support deportation efforts.
