San Francisco — A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump broke the law by deploying National Guard soldiers and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles earlier this summer, saying the move violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer found that the Trump administration “willfully exceeded its authority” when it sent about 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist local police following unrest linked to immigration raids. The troops reportedly engaged in crowd control, traffic blockades, and other policing functions without proper authorization or cooperation with California officials.
The ruling, issued Tuesday, blocks the federal government from using military forces in California for law enforcement purposes unless a specific constitutional or legislative exception applies. The injunction takes effect on September 12, giving the administration time to appeal.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who challenged the deployment, welcomed the decision, calling it “a victory for democracy and state sovereignty.” He added: “No president is a king.”
The Trump team, however, blasted the ruling. A White House spokesperson described Judge Breyer as a “rogue judge” undermining presidential powers to ensure public safety.
Legal analysts say the case could have far-reaching implications, especially as Trump and his allies have signaled plans to use military forces in other U.S. cities to crack down on crime. The decision sets a precedent that could limit such actions and reaffirm the boundaries between civilian law enforcement and military authority.
