California Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over National Guard Deployment Amid Protests

In a significant legal challenge, California officials announced on June 9, 2025, their intent to sue President Donald Trump and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the deployment of the California National Guard amid ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles. The lawsuit arises from the recent mobilization of nearly 2,000 National Guard troops, a move that Governor Gavin Newsom described as an unconstitutional overreach of federal authority, intended to escalate tensions rather than address public safety concerns.

The protests erupted following a series of ICE raids targeting undocumented workers, which led to widespread unrest across Los Angeles. Over the weekend, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, resulting in property damage, including vandalism to police vehicles and other public properties. Reports indicate that several Waymo autonomous taxis were set on fire during these confrontations, igniting further public outrage.

According to Governor Newsom, the deployment of National Guard troops without a formal request from the state governor represents a troubling precedent. "This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted," Newsom stated on social media. He further elaborated, asserting that the federal action was designed to manufacture a crisis rather than respond to an actual need. Legal experts, including Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that using the military domestically to suppress dissent is a chilling development.

The backdrop of this legal confrontation involves significant public and political unrest. Federal authorities charged David Huerta, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, with conspiracy to obstruct officers during the ICE raids. Huerta's arrest has sparked outrage among labor leaders nationwide, prompting California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla to demand a review of his detention, which they characterized as an infringement on civil rights.

In the wake of the escalating protests, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the deployment of federalized troops as a "chaotic escalation." She highlighted the need for the city to provide a safe environment for its residents, particularly those affected by the immigration raids. As public unrest continues, local officials are working to establish safety measures around schools and community events in anticipation of further ICE actions.

The legal proceedings initiated by California against the federal government will scrutinize the constitutional implications of Trump’s National Guard mobilization. This lawsuit is not only a reflection of the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies but also an assertion of state rights in the face of perceived federal overreach. As the situation develops, California officials remain committed to protecting the rights and safety of all residents, amidst a national dialogue on immigration enforcement and civil liberties.