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 ruling, announced on Wednesday, mandates that control of the troops be returned to the state government, marking a significant shift in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco granted a preliminary injunction sought by California officials, who argued that the deployment lacked the governor’s approval and was no longer necessary due to changing conditions on the ground. However, the judge has put his decision on hold until Monday, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty for a few more days.
California’s opposition to the troop deployment stems from the Trump administration’s controversial decision to use state National Guard troops without state consent, a move aimed at bolstering immigration enforcement efforts. Initially, more than 4,000 California National Guard troops were called up in June, but that number has dwindled to approximately 100 troops remaining in the Los Angeles area as of late October.
The administration had extended the deployment through February, and sought to utilize California Guard members in Portland, Oregon, amid pushback from local officials in Democratic-run cities. The U.S. Justice Department has argued that these troops are still needed in Los Angeles to protect federal personnel and property.
This ruling is expected to have immediate implications for the ongoing debate over the use of National Guard troops in domestic operations. As the situation develops, California officials are poised to reclaim oversight of their National Guard, an action that underscores the tension between state and federal authorities regarding military engagements.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to evolve. The impact of this decision could resonate far beyond California, influencing how state resources are managed in the face of federal directives.
