LOS ANGELES: California Attorney General Rob Bonta had announced that the state will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for unlawful federalization and deployment of the California National Guard in Los Angeles.
The legal challenge comes after President Donald Trump ordered National Guard troops into the city amidst ongoing protests against his immigration policies.
Demonstrations, particularly in Los Angeles, have intensified in recent days, with some turning violent. Protesters have reportedly set vehicles ablaze and clashed with law enforcement.
President Trump defended the deployment, stating that the National Guard was sent to ensure law and order. “There is no room for violent protests in America,” he said, warning that agitators will be held accountable under the law.
However, Attorney General Bonta criticized the move as unconstitutional and an overreach of federal authority. He claimed that the Trump administration bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom and violated the state’s sovereignty.
“This action was not necessary,” Bonta said in a press conference. “There was no rebellion, no foreign intervention, and no breakdown of law enforcement that justified federal intervention under U.S. law.”
Governor Newsom echoed these concerns, calling the federalization of the state’s National Guard “illegal and unethical.” He insisted that local law enforcement is fully capable of handling the situation.
According to reports, around 1,000 National Guard troops are currently stationed in Los Angeles under federal orders, with more possibly on the way. President Trump, undeterred by the backlash, has said he may also send in U.S. Marines if needed.
“If I hadn’t stepped in, a tragedy could have occurred,” Trump told reporters, claiming that conditions in Los Angeles have begun to improve following the deployment.
The unrest in Los Angeles was initially sparked by immigration raids targeting undocumented immigrants, which led to widespread protests and clashes with immigration officers and police.
