Judge Rules Trump's LA Military Deployment Illegal

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8 hrs ago

Above: National Guard standing guard in Los Angeles, California, on July 4, 2025. Image copyright: Etienne Laurent/AFP/Getty Images

story last updated 3 hrs ago

The Spin

Republican narrative

The federal deployment was necessary to protect immigration officers facing violent protests and ensure federal law enforcement could operate safely. Intelligence briefings indicated a minimal risk, but the reality on the ground necessitated military support for officer protection. This wasn't law enforcement — it was a legitimate security operation.

Trump White House New York Post

Democratic narrative

This military deployment created an illegal national police force that violated fundamental principles separating military and civilian law enforcement. Armed soldiers conducting crowd control and traffic stops crossed clear legal boundaries established in 1878. The chilling effect on economic activity and civilian life proves the deployment exceeded lawful authority.

The Hill X Brennan Center for Justice