Federal Court Weighs Trump’s Control of National Guard

A federal judge initially ruled President Trump's federalization of the California National Guard during Los Angeles immigration protest unrest 'illegal' and ordered control returned to Governor Gavin Newsom, but an appeals court has temporarily allowed Trump to retain authority pending further review. Approximately 200 active-duty Marines, trained in crowd control and de-escalation, have replaced the National Guard in protecting key federal buildings, while the Guard shifts to a supporting role for federal law enforcement. The Marines and about 4,700 other military personnel are tasked strictly with protecting federal property and personnel, not direct law enforcement. The deployment, rare for active-duty troops in domestic unrest, has sparked debate and concern among local residents across the political spectrum. Protests, both peaceful and violent, continue in Los Angeles, and nationwide demonstrations are planned. The legal dispute over command of the Guard remains unresolved, reflecting ongoing tensions over federal immigration policy and response tactics.