California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the federalization and deployment of the California National Guard to Los Angeles without state consent.

The legal action follows President Donald Trump’s decision to mobilize approximately 2,000 National Guard troops in response to escalating protests and riots sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions.

The lawsuit contends that the president’s order violates the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and misapplies Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which permits federalization of the National Guard under specific circumstances such as invasion or rebellion.

Attorney General Bonta stated,

“There was no risk of rebellion, no threat of foreign invasion. The President is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends.”

Governor Newsom criticized the deployment as “illegal and immoral,” asserting that local law enforcement had the situation under control and that the federal intervention exacerbated tensions. He emphasized that the move undermines state sovereignty and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach.

In defense, the White House cited Title 10, Section 12406, arguing that the deployment was necessary to restore law and order amid the unrest. However, critics argue that the conditions required for such federal action were not met.

The legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities over immigration enforcement and the use of military force in civil matters. As the situation develops, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, with California officials vowing to protect state rights and the Trump administration asserting its commitment to national security.