BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially dropped its opposition to a court order, returning control of 300 California National Guard troops to Governor Gavin Newsom. This development, confirmed in a filing with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, marks a significant shift in the ongoing legal battle over the deployment of troops in Los Angeles.
In a two-sentence filing earlier today, DOJ attorneys stated they no longer oppose lifting a partial administrative stay, effectively allowing the troops to return to state control. This decision comes after a federal judge ordered President Donald Trump to relinquish control of the National Guard troops, which had been deployed since June 7, 2023, amidst protests against federal immigration policies.
The court’s ruling could end the deployment that has lasted more than six months, during which time the National Guard was stationed primarily outside the downtown federal building in Los Angeles. The initial deployment of up to 2,000 troops was meant to protect federal personnel amid escalating protests against immigration enforcement.
The DOJ’s reversal follows claims by California officials that the deployment violated the Constitution, with Attorney General Rob Bonta stating, “For more than five months, the Trump administration has held California National Guard troops hostage as part of its political games.” He emphasized that “the president is not king,” reinforcing the importance of state sovereignty.
The DOJ’s decision to withdraw its motion for a stay is a pivotal moment in this legal saga. The National Guard troops were never directly involved in breaking up protests; their presence was largely symbolic, standing guard while local law enforcement managed civil disturbances.
Officials in California had vehemently opposed the deployment, asserting that it did not contribute to public safety and merely served political purposes. The state has argued that the National Guard’s role was limited and did not justify the prolonged federal control over local resources.
As this situation unfolds, residents and local officials will be watching closely. The return of the National Guard to state control raises questions about future deployments and the balance of power between state and federal authorities.
Expect further updates as this story develops, and how it may impact ongoing discussions about federal and state rights in managing local law enforcement and public safety. The implications of this ruling are likely to resonate beyond California, impacting national conversations on governance and authority.
Stay tuned for more breaking news as details emerge.
