A Clinton-appointed federal judge has ordered President Trump to halt his deployment of California National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, marking another judicial roadblock to securing America’s borders.
Story Highlights
- Federal judge orders Trump to end California National Guard deployment in Los Angeles
- Over 4,000 troops were originally deployed without Governor Newsom’s approval for immigration enforcement
- Judge accused Trump administration of creating a “national police force” despite violent protests
- White House plans to appeal the ruling while extending deployment through February
Judge Blocks Presidential Authority on Border Security
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday ordering the Trump administration to return control of California National Guard troops to the state.
The Clinton appointee granted California’s request but put the decision on hold until Monday, allowing time for appeal. Trump originally deployed over 4,000 troops in June without Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval to support immigration enforcement efforts following violent clashes with protesters.
Judge orders Trump to end California National Guard troop deployment in Los Angeles #usnews https://t.co/oWfpmqT0EU pic.twitter.com/0unnZUVatD
— Live5News (@Live5News) December 10, 2025
Administration Defends Constitutional Powers
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson confirmed the administration would appeal Breyer’s ruling, emphasizing Trump’s lawful authority to deploy troops. She noted that President Trump acted following violent riots that local Democrat leaders refused to stop, referencing the governor with Trump’s familiar “Newscum” moniker.
The administration argued that courts cannot second-guess presidential decisions when violence makes it impossible to execute federal laws with regular forces.
California Officials Celebrate Judicial Interference
California Attorney General Rob Bonta hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy, claiming Trump cannot federalize the National Guard without justification. The state sued arguing Trump used Guard members as a personal police force, violating laws limiting military use in domestic affairs.
Bonta accused the administration of playing political games, despite documented violence including rock-throwing at Border Patrol vehicles and a guilty plea for throwing a Molotov cocktail.
Broader Implications for Immigration Enforcement
The ruling affects Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy across Democrat-run cities. About 100 California troops remain in Los Angeles guarding federal buildings, while the administration has also deployed Guard members to Portland, Oregon and Illinois over local objections.
Other judges have similarly blocked National Guard deployments to Portland and Chicago, creating a pattern of judicial resistance to Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
