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A federal judge has ruled against President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s move to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines into Los Angeles over the summer to quell rioting and unrest in the streets.
According to a 52-page ruling by Judge Charles R. Breyer, the move was a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the use of military assets for domestic law enforcement unless authorized by Congress.
The lawsuit against President Trump’s decision was brought by California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
“There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law,” the opinion read.
The ruling focuses largely on Task Force 51 – a federalized task force of troops deployed to Los Angeles in early June – who, according to Breyer, were allegedly incorrectly instructed to engage in “certain law enforcement activities.”
“There is no exception to the Posse Comitatus Act for such conduct,” he wrote.
The protests over the summer were aimed at curbing federal law enforcement and deportation operations, and prompted a strong response from President Donald Trump.
In late August, President Trump even signed an executive order that directed Hegseth to establish a force of National Guard troops that can be mobilized to any area of the country to respond to emergency situations, RSBN reported.
According to Politico, Judge Breyer’s ruling on President Trump’s deployment of troops in California is exclusive to the Golden State, and there is a good chance a federal appeals court may reverse it.
Right now, the ruling is on hold until September 12 pending an appeal from the Trump administration.
The president’s federal crackdown on crime and unrest will likely continue unhindered in states more amenable to the president’s agenda. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed recently that Republican-led states would see federal support, per RSBN.
