Federal Judge Grants Newsom Access to Trump Troop Deployment Records in California

Federal Judge Charles Breyer has ordered the Trump administration to provide documents, photos, internal reports, and other evidence related to the deployment of National Guard and military personnel in Los Angeles amid protests and immigration enforcement operations. This order follows California Governor Gavin Newsom's lawsuit challenging the federalization of the National Guard and the use of troops in the state without his consent, raising questions about potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. Although a preliminary restraining order against the deployment was overturned by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Breyer has allowed limited discovery focused on whether the Trump administration overstepped its legal authority. The administration has objected to the broad discovery requests, but Breyer highlighted that the administration's arguments were insufficiently briefed and that discovery is warranted to clarify the troops' roles in civilian areas beyond guarding federal property. Additionally, the judge permitted state lawyers to depose key officials with knowledge of military orders and engagement rules, with further review planned regarding the duration of federal control over the Guard. The ongoing legal battle underscores the tensions between federal and state authorities over military deployments within U.S. borders and the limits imposed by law.