Federal Court Weighs Legality of Trump National Guard Deployment Los Angeles

A federal court in San Francisco is hearing a case challenging President Donald Trump's deployment of U.S. Marines and federalized National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests in June, focusing on whether this violated the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act that limits military involvement in policing civilians. The deployment involved about 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines sent to protect federal property amid protests against immigration raids, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials. Testimonies revealed that troops were authorized to set up security perimeters and detain civilians for arrest, with some operations, like the show of force at MacArthur Park, conducted even without threats to federal functions. Defense officials argued the deployment was necessary for federal law enforcement protection, while state lawyers contended it exceeded legal limits and questioned the loyalty of military personnel who objected. The state of California seeks to regain control of the remaining Guard members and prevent future military involvement in law enforcement activities without state consent. The trial could set a significant precedent on the extent of presidential power to use military forces domestically.