President Trump’s bold move to secure America’s borders has triggered a legal showdown with California’s liberal Governor Gavin Newsom. The Democrat leader is desperately trying to block the President from federalizing the National Guard to address the growing chaos caused by anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.
President Trump deployed approximately 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles alongside National Guard troops to restore order amid escalating protests against ICE raids targeting illegal immigrants. Governor Newsom has responded by filing a lawsuit claiming Trump’s actions are unconstitutional, despite the President’s clear authority under Title 10, Section 12406 of the U.S. Code to mobilize the National Guard without gubernatorial approval. The legal battle highlights the ongoing conflict between Trump’s commitment to border security and California’s sanctuary policies that protect illegal immigrants. Trump’s decisive leadership comes as Democrats continue obstructing federal immigration enforcement while border communities struggle with the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration. The outcome of this case could set a critical precedent for presidential authority to enforce immigration laws despite opposition from liberal state governments.
Trump Takes Action While California Obstructs
The President made the decisive call to deploy troops after anti-ICE protesters created chaos in Los Angeles streets. Trump’s border enforcement strategy includes plans to potentially deploy up to 4,000 National Guard troops to restore order in the Democrat-run city.
Trump’s newly appointed “border czar” Tom Homan has been vocal about holding sanctuary state officials accountable for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Governor Newsom dramatically challenged Homan to “arrest him,” mischaracterizing earlier statements where Homan suggested officials who deliberately obstruct federal law enforcement could face legal consequences.
California Claims Constitutional Overreach
Newsom’s lawsuit, filed in the liberal-leaning Northern District of California, argues that the deployment requires his consent as governor. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is seeking a restraining order, claiming the state needs its National Guard resources for potential natural disasters.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is suing the Trump administration, claiming President Trump illegally federalized the National Guard.
Read more: https://t.co/yZdvNGnytw pic.twitter.com/33p5omXflp
— ABC News (@ABC) June 9, 2025
The lawsuit hinges on technical arguments about the division of military authority between states and the federal government. Newsom falsely claims there was no communication about the deployment, despite the White House following proper protocols for federalizing National Guard troops during crises that threaten public safety.
Battle Over Immigration Enforcement Intensifies
This legal confrontation represents the latest chapter in the ongoing struggle between Trump’s America-first policies and California’s radical sanctuary state agenda. While Newsom claims California cooperates with ICE on criminal matters, the state has repeatedly hindered federal agents from apprehending illegal immigrants, forcing the President to take extraordinary measures to fulfill his constitutional duty to protect American citizens.
Legal experts point out that Trump appears to be on solid legal ground, as federal law grants the President authority to federalize National Guard units when necessary. The dispute highlights the stark contrast between Trump’s commitment to law enforcement and border security versus the Democrat leadership’s apparent preference for protecting illegal immigrants over the safety and sovereignty of American communities.
Sources:
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/09/california-national-guard-lawsuit-gavin-newsom-00394609