California is set to confront the Trump administration in court regarding the deployment of US troops in Los Angeles, as demonstrators took to the streets in major cities to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
According to the military, around 700 US marines will be present on the streets of Los Angeles today or tomorrow to support approximately 4,000 National Guard troops tasked with protecting federal properties and agents, including during immigration raids.
Mr. Trump’s decision to send troops to Los Angeles, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, has ignited a national discussion about the military’s role in law enforcement on US soil.
A federal judge in San Francisco is scheduled to hear arguments today as part of California’s legal battle against Mr. Trump.
In a court filing, California argued that the federal government has already breached the law by allowing National Guard troops to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during immigration raids.
This Saturday, Americans may witness contrasting images of US troops in two significant cities: Los Angeles, where troops are safeguarding federal buildings, and Washington DC, where soldiers accompanied by tanks and armored vehicles will parade down Constitution Avenue in a rare military display to commemorate the US Army’s 250th anniversary.
Nearly 2,000 protests against the parade, coinciding with Mr. Trump’s 79th birthday, are planned across the nation, marking one of the most substantial demonstrations against him since he resumed office in January.
Peaceful protests have erupted in multiple cities this week, including New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and San Antonio, Texas—beyond just Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles protests ignited last Friday in response to a series of ICE immigration raids in the area.
In response, Mr. Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday and ordered the Marine deployment on Monday.
“Los Angeles was safe and sound for the last two nights. Our great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the LA Police in a position to effectively do their job,” Mr. Trump stated on social media.
State and city officials contend that Mr. Trump is overstating the city’s situation, asserting that local police have effectively managed the circumstances.
While the protests have generally remained orderly, there have been instances of violence, mainly confined to a few blocks.
Police reported that demonstrators at one location threw fireworks and rocks at officers last night.
Another group of nearly 1,000 demonstrators was peacefully marching through downtown when police suddenly deployed less lethal munitions near LA City Hall.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell stated in an interview with CNN that the city was more tranquil and emphasized that police were protecting free speech rights while holding violent individuals accountable.
In pursuit of limits,
Mr. Trump is acting on a campaign promise to deport immigrants, utilizing aggressive tactics associated with the unconventional political approach that led to his two elections.
The administration has shared images depicting National Guard troops aiding immigration agents in the arrest of suspected illegal migrants—an allowed function for troops under federal law.
However, the state contends that those Guard troops have crossed legal boundaries established by the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which forbids military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
“For instance, photos shared on social media by ICE show heavily armed members of the National Guard standing alongside ICE agents during arrests,” California stated in its latest court submission.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed his objections to Mr. Trump’s National Guard deployment.
Unless judicial intervention occurs, the military’s role is likely to expand to include “detention, interrogation, and other activities nearly indistinguishable from urban policing operations,” the filing claims.
California seeks a court order preventing troops from “patrolling the streets of Los Angeles” and hopes to restrict their function to protecting federal personnel and property.
The lawsuit ultimately requests a ruling to return California’s National Guard to state control and a declaration declaring Mr. Trump’s actions illegal.
The Trump administration stated yesterday in a court filing that the judge should not limit the military’s activities in Los Angeles.
“Neither the National Guard nor the Marines are engaged in law enforcement. Rather, they are protecting law enforcement, consistent with longstanding practice and the inherent protective power to ensure the safety of federal property and personnel,” the administration wrote.
US Army Major General Scott Sherman, who oversees the task force of Marines and Guardsmen, informed reporters that the Marines would not load their rifles with live ammunition, although they would carry live rounds.
