California Governor to Sue Trump Administration Over National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 — California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to sue the Trump administration following the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid ongoing protests sparked by recent immigration raids.
The unrest began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of aggressive raids across Los Angeles, resulting in dozens of arrests. What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated, with some protesters setting fire to self-driving cars, blocking major freeways, and clashing with police. In response, law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang devices to disperse the crowds.
President Donald Trump authorized the federal deployment of the California National Guard without the consent of state officials. The administration justified the action as necessary to protect federal buildings and personnel, citing rising threats against immigration facilities. The move marks the first time since 1965 that a president has federalized California’s National Guard without the governor’s approval.
Governor Newsom condemned the deployment as unconstitutional, accusing the president of overstepping his authority. He called the move “illegal and immoral,” and confirmed that California will initiate legal proceedings to challenge the decision.
“This is not just a legal issue, it’s a fight over who gets to decide how to handle unrest in our communities,” Newsom said. “If the federal government can deploy troops into any state without consent, it threatens the very fabric of our democracy.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the federal action, stating that local law enforcement was already managing the situation. She warned that the deployment risked inflaming tensions rather than calming them.
The protests in Los Angeles have sparked solidarity demonstrations in other cities across California. As the legal battle between the state and the federal government intensifies, the situation highlights the ongoing power struggle over immigration enforcement and the balance of authority between state and federal leadership.
