UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the U.S. Department of Justice has just announced it will withdraw its opposition to a court order, returning control of 300 California National Guard troops to Governor Gavin Newsom. This decision comes after a two-sentence filing with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals today, marking a significant shift in the ongoing legal battle over their deployment in Los Angeles.
The DOJ’s decision to step back from its previous request to maintain federal control is monumental. Earlier this month, a federal judge mandated that President Donald Trump relinquish authority over the troops, who were initially deployed on June 7, 2023, amid escalating protests against federal immigration policies. The National Guard’s presence was intended to safeguard federal facilities and personnel, but many officials, including Newsom, argued this deployment violated constitutional rights.
While the Trump administration claimed the troops were necessary for public safety, the deployment was reduced from an initial 2,000 troops to just 300 as legal challenges intensified. California officials maintained that the National Guard played a minimal role in managing protests, primarily securing the area around the federal building while local law enforcement handled demonstrations.
In Tuesday’s brief, the DOJ stated it no longer opposes lifting the partial administrative stay, effectively returning control of the troops to Newsom. This marks a pivotal moment for California, as Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized, “The president is not king. He cannot federalize the National Guard without justification. This is a good day for our democracy and the strength of the rule of law.”
This development comes after months of contention between state and federal authorities, with California suing the Trump administration to end the deployment. The legal battle highlighted the tensions surrounding immigration policy and state rights, igniting debates over the federal government’s authority to mobilize National Guard troops.
As this situation evolves, eyes are now on how the return of these troops will impact federal operations in Los Angeles and the ongoing immigration debates. Stay tuned for further updates as the implications of this decision unfold.
This latest development is sure to resonate across the nation as communities grapple with the complexities of immigration and federal authority. The return of National Guard control to California showcases the ongoing struggle for state autonomy in the face of federal policies. Share your thoughts on this urgent matter as it develops.
