LA Protests Live: California About to Sue Trump Over National Guard Deployment

By The Hyperhive

9 June 2025

What prompted California to sue Trump over the National Guard deployment in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is in the spotlight as tensions rise between California’s leaders and the federal government.

Protests have erupted across the city, sparked by immigration raids ordered by President Donald Trump.

To control the unrest, Trump sent 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, a decision that has caused a major clash with California’s Governor Gavin Newsom.

Now, Newsom says the state will sue the Trump administration, calling the deployment unlawful. What’s behind this bold move, and what does it mean for California?

Why Is California Suing Trump Over National Guard Deployment?

Governor Newsom has called Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard without his approval “illegal” and “unconstitutional.”

Usually, a state’s governor must agree to send National Guard troops, but Trump used a rare federal law, Title 10, to take control of California’s Guard.

Newsom argues this move violates the state’s rights and was meant to stir up more chaos, not solve it. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Newsom demanded the troops be returned to state control, saying local police were handling the protests just fine.

The lawsuit, announced on June 9, 2025, is a direct challenge to Trump’s authority. Newsom claims the president is trying to create a crisis to justify harsher actions.

Democratic leaders, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, have backed Newsom, calling the deployment a “dangerous escalation.” They believe Trump’s actions are more about creating fear than ensuring safety.

What Sparked the Protests?

The unrest in Los Angeles began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out large-scale raids targeting undocumented immigrants.

These raids, part of Trump’s promise for mass deportations, led to at least 118 arrests in the city. Protests started on Friday, June 6, 2025, outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles and spread to areas like Paramount, where clashes turned violent.

Protesters threw objects like bottles and concrete, while police used tear gas and rubber bullets to push them back. Videos showed burning cars and tense standoffs, raising fears of more violence.

Trump called the protesters “violent mobs” and said the National Guard was needed to protect federal agents and property.

However, Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass argue the protests, while tense, didn’t require such a heavy federal response.

Bass urged residents to stay peaceful, warning that violence would only play into Trump’s hands.

What Happens Next?

California’s lawsuit could set a major precedent. Legal experts say Trump’s use of Title 10 to bypass Newsom’s authority is rare and may not hold up in court.

The last time a president took similar action was in 1965, making this a historic clash. If the courts side with Newsom, it could limit the president’s power to control state National Guards. But if Trump wins, he might use this tactic in other states, escalating tensions nationwide.

For now, about 300 National Guard troops are in Los Angeles, with more expected to arrive. Defense Secretary Hegseth has also threatened to send active-duty Marines if the protests continue.

Meanwhile, Newsom is in Los Angeles meeting with local officials to keep the situation calm. The state’s leaders are urging residents to protest peacefully and avoid giving the federal government a reason to crack down further.

This conflict highlights a deeper divide between California’s Democratic leadership and Trump’s immigration policies.

As the lawsuit moves forward, the nation is watching to see how this power struggle will unfold and what it means for the balance between state and federal authority.