California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have initiated a legal challenge against the Trump administration, accusing it of misusing its powers by federalizing the National Guard in Los Angeles County. The lawsuit was announced on Monday, following a weekend deployment of troops amid violent anti-ICE protests in the region. Bonta criticized President Donald Trump for allegedly abusing his authority under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows the president to mobilize the National Guard in cases of invasion or rebellion. He asserted that there was no such threat in California, calling the deployment unnecessary and politically motivated.
Newsom added that Trump’s decision to deploy federal forces exacerbated the chaos, arguing that local and state police had managed the situation effectively before the military’s involvement. The governor claimed that the National Guard’s presence had disrupted local law enforcement efforts and contributed to the escalation of the riots. Bonta’s office confirmed that a copy of the complaint against the administration would be available soon. The legal action represents a significant confrontation over the use of national emergency powers and highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities.
The deployment of the National Guard came amid widespread protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and border policies. While the protests were initially peaceful, they devolved into violent confrontations in parts of Los Angeles County over the weekend. Critics argue that the federal government’s response has further inflamed tensions, with some accusing the administration of using the situation to advance its political agenda. The lawsuit is expected to focus on questions of executive overreach and the boundaries of presidential authority in domestic affairs.