California will face off against the Trump administration in federal court today over the president’s deployment of U.S. Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles, escalating a constitutional clash about military authority on American soil. The hearing before Judge Charles Breyer comes as protests against immigration raids entered their sixth day, spreading to New York, Seattle, Las Vegas, and beyond.
California seeks a temporary restraining order to block 700 Marines and 4,000 federalized National Guard troops from participating in law enforcement activities, arguing their deployment violates the Posse Comitatus Act and state sovereignty. Governor Gavin Newsom’s lawsuit contends President Trump illegally bypassed gubernatorial consent by invoking Title 10 statutes—reserved for rebellions or invasions—without evidence of either. The state emphasizes troops should only protect federal property, not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
The Justice Department defended the deployment, citing "lawless violence against federal personnel" and historical memos justifying military protection of government assets. However, legal scholars note Trump’s refusal to invoke the Insurrection Act—the traditional mechanism for domestic military operations—creates a vulnerable legal footing.
Approximately 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines arrived Thursday, trained in "de-escalation and crowd control" but authorized to temporarily detain civilians who "interfere with federal duties." While rifles will carry blank ammunition, live rounds remain in their possession. U.S. Northern Command insists troops will "protect; not participate" in policing, but California presented evidence of Guard members already accompanying ICE agents on raids.
In Los Angeles, nightly clashes saw police use flash-bangs, foam bullets, and tear gas against protesters. A peaceful march near City Hall turned chaotic Wednesday when officers charged crowds on horseback, injuring a woman with projectiles. Over 400 arrests have occurred since Saturday, with downtown under an 8 PM–6 AM curfew.
Nationally, demonstrations spread to 15+ cities:
Seattle: Protesters blocked intersections and lit dumpster fires before police dispersal orders.
Spokane: 30+ arrests after activists blocked an ICE transport vehicle 9.
New York: 86 detained Tuesday amid rallies at federal immigration offices.
The conflict reached a fever pitch Thursday when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) of "lunging at the podium" during her press conference. Video showed Secret Service agents tackling and handcuffing him despite his identification as a senator. No charges were filed, but Governor Newsom warned: "If they handcuff a U.S. Senator, imagine what they’ll do to you".
Trump amplified tensions, posting: "Without the Military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene." Local leaders counter that his deployment caused unrest. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell criticized the move as a "significant logistical challenge" lacking coordination, while Mayor Karen Bass imposed curfews to curb violence she attributes to federal provocation.
With 1,800+ anti-Trump rallies planned nationwide Saturday—coinciding with the president’s military parade in Washington—the administration is pre-deploying security assets. Noem vowed to "liberate" Los Angeles and replicate the strategy elsewhere if protests continue. Legal experts warn a ruling against California could normalize presidential militarization of domestic dissent.