In a significant development, a federal judge has deemed President Donald Trump’s federalization of the California National Guard in response to anti-immigration protests in Los Angeles as “illegal.” The ruling, granting California’s request for a temporary restraining order on deployment, mandates the return of control of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom. U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer emphasized the importance of constitutional principles, stating that a leader cannot arbitrarily dictate actions without adherence to legal boundaries.

Judge Breyer’s ruling highlighted that the President’s actions exceeded statutory authority and infringed upon the Tenth Amendment. The Trump Administration has appealed the decision, with the ruling set to take effect soon. Governor Newsom expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing that military forces belong on battlefields, not city streets, echoing broader implications for the nation.

Newsom further criticized Trump’s approach, cautioning against authoritarian tendencies and urging an end to the alleged militarization of Los Angeles. In response, Trump defended his actions on Truth Social, accusing Newsom of incompetence and asserting the necessity of National Guard deployment to prevent chaos in Los Angeles.

The legal battle between federal and state authorities underscores broader debates on executive power, constitutional limits, and the appropriate use of military forces in civil matters. The ongoing dispute signals deeper tensions between political leaders and raises questions about the balance of power in governance.