California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has declared the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles “unlawful,” marking a significant escalation in tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement.
According to Politico, the deployment of approximately 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday came as protests against immigration raids entered their third day. The move represents the first time since 1965 that a president has federalized a state’s National Guard without the governor’s approval, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to Alabama.
“We’re going to have troops everywhere,” Trump told reporters on Sunday, as his administration defended the decision to deploy forces. “We’re not going to let this country be torn apart like it was under Biden.” The deployment came in response to demonstrations that began Friday in downtown Los Angeles, following an immigration raid at a suburban Home Depot.
Tensions rise as the Defense Department considers additional military deployment
The situation could intensify further as the Trump administration contemplates sending 500 Marines to Los Angeles County, with Defense officials confirming that military personnel have received “prepare to deploy” orders. In a high-stakes move, Marines are reportedly being primed for an “attack on U.S. citizens” during the unrest. Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan has warned that raids will continue daily and suggested that both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face arrest if they interfere with immigration enforcement.
BREAKING:
—Gov. Newsom demands Trump rescind National Guard order, cites “unlawful federalization” and breach of state sovereignty
California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially requested that the Trump administration rescind its deployment of 2,000 federalized National… pic.twitter.com/xbZGvALWPV
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) June 8, 2025
In response to the federal intervention, Newsom’s legal affairs secretary, David Sapp, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arguing that state and local police agencies had the situation under control. The letter emphasized that federal intervention would only worsen the conflict and represented a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” Against that backdrop, Newsom defiantly responded to Homan’s threats, “arrest me, tough guy”, making it clear he won’t back down.
The deployment has sparked widespread criticism from Democratic leaders across the country. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, a Los Angeles resident, characterized Trump’s action as a “dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos.” Democratic governors united in condemning the move as an “alarming abuse of power,” emphasizing that governors are traditionally the commanders in chief of their National Guard units.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with protesters and law enforcement clashing during demonstrations. In one incident, law enforcement used tear gas on protesters who approached National Guard troops, though the specific agency responsible for deploying the tear gas remains unclear. Demonstrators have been seen blocking major roadways, waving Mexican flags, and holding signs in protest of the immigration enforcement actions.
The current crisis has effectively ended a brief period of cooperation between Trump and Newsom, which had emerged during Trump’s recent visit to Los Angeles following the fires. As the situation continues to develop, Governor Newsom has traveled to Los Angeles to meet with local officials and receive briefings from law enforcement, highlighting the growing significance of this constitutional showdown between state and federal authorities.
