California Governor Gavin Newsom is urgently seeking a federal court order to halt Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from deploying National Guard troops and Marines to assist in immigration raids in Los Angeles.
Legal Battle Escalates
The state’s attorneys filed a request for a restraining order on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for immediate action by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer.
Newsom and other California officials strongly oppose the Trump administration’s directive to mobilize 4,000 National Guard troops to protect federal immigration facilities amidst ongoing protests. The state is also challenging Hegseth’s deployment of 700 Marines to support the National Guard’s efforts.
The focus of the restraining order request is the state’s concern that these troops may soon participate in arrest operations alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, potentially leading to confrontations with local residents.
Legal Justification
Paul Eck, a state attorney representing California’s National Guard, stated that involving the military in such law enforcement activities would violate legal boundaries.
While California officials acknowledge the need to protect federal properties in Los Angeles, they are adamant about preventing military intervention in civilian areas.
Opposing Views
The Trump administration has requested more time to respond to California’s legal actions, arguing that the situation in Los Angeles does not warrant military involvement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and his team emphasized that their motion aims to safeguard civilian areas from military presence while allowing federal facilities to receive necessary protection.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the tensions between federal and state authorities regarding immigration enforcement and the use of military resources.
