California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces that he will be filing a lawsuit against President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense (DOD).
The lawsuit claims that President Donald Trump and his administration illegally deployed the California National Guard (CalGuard) unit without the consent of Newsom. He believes that it has only incited more violence and chaos into the protests currently happening in the state.
The decision to deploy the National Guard without the consent of Governor Newsom goes against the U.S. Constitution and the Title 10 authority of the President. Newsom believes that his decision “puts state sovereignty in danger,” as it violates his right as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard. State governors have the legal right to control their militia, however Newsom claims that President Trump violated that right with unlawful federal power.
He condemned President Trump’s decision and spoke against the use of calling his militia to control these protests.
“The federal government is turning the military against American citizens. Sending trained warfighters onto the streets is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy. Donald Trump is behaving like a tyrant, not a President. We ask the court to immediately block these unlawful actions,” Newsom said in a statement.
On June 7, the White House released an official statement explaining the decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, California.
“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an official statement.
While there have been reports of looting and damages to property, there have been no reported deaths relating to the protests.
The protests in Los Angeles come as a response to the federal government’s decision to strengthen Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence. On June 6, ICE officers began widespread searches and arrests throughout the community without the knowledge of local authorities.
Witnesses and those knowledgeable of these raids took to the streets of Los Angeles to express their concern and frustration. One unnamed protestor spoke to the National Guard directly and expressed his feelings about the current state of his community.
“You should be standing here with us,” he said when addressing members of the National Guard. “You’re on the wrong side of history. We know you have a job to do, but you took an oath to the Constitution, not to the fascists in the White House.”
On June 10, Newsom addressed Californians and the protests against the ICE raids.
“California will keep fighting on behalf of all our people including in the courts,” Newsom said in a statement posted on X. “If some of us can be snatched off the streets without a warrant, based only on suspicion or skin color, then none of us are safe. Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting people who are least able to defend themselves.”
However, he also warned citizens about the legal repercussions that will be taken after citizens were caught looting and inciting other acts of violence.
“Have no doubt — Violent criminals who take advantage of Trump’s chaos WILL be held accountable,” Newsom said in a statement posted on X. “Our number one priority has been and will be keeping LA safe. If you’re protesting peacefully. Stay calm. Look out for one another.”
On June 6, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released an official statement regarding reports of ICE action in the city.
“As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” Bass said. “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.”
Bass explained that her Office is currently working with immigrants rights community organizations to ensure the safety of these citizens, claiming that “we will not stand for this.”
She also condemned President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in an official statement, agreeing with Gov. Newsom worry that it will further escalate violence in the situation.
“The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real — it’s felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk. This is the very last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful,” Bass said. “Los Angeles will always stand with everyone who calls our city home.”
As a way to de-escalate the situation, Mayor Bass announced on June 10 that a curfew will be put into place for protestors. This comes as a way to prevent any more acts of looting and to “curb bad actors who do not support the immigrant community,” said Mayor Bass. The curfew begins at 6 a.m. and goes till 8 p.m.
