California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday (June 11, 2025) issued a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump’s deployment of thousands of military troops in Los Angeles, saying it amounts to an assault on democracy and violates the state’s autonomy.

Speaking during a brief public address, Newsom described the military buildup as a “dragnet” targeting ordinary immigrants and warned that California may be the first state affected — but certainly not the last.

Why Were Troops Deployed to Los Angeles?

On Monday, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of nearly 5,000 troops, including:

• 4,000 National Guard personnel

• 700 United States Marines

Initially, the mission was described as an effort to protect federal buildings in Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States. However, images and reports from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveal that the troops are also guarding officers during immigration arrests in various areas of the city.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ICE said the troops were providing security for their officers at federal facilities, and also while they conducted daily enforcement operations — many of which involve immigration raids and detention of undocumented workers.

Newsom: “This Goes Far Beyond Arresting Criminals”

Governor Newsom criticised the use of military force for immigration enforcement, saying the operations have now extended beyond detaining criminals to targeting:

• Dishwashers

• Gardeners

• Day labourers

• Seamstresses

“These are people who contribute quietly to our society,” Newsom said. “Deploying troops to intimidate working-class immigrants under the pretext of security is both unjust and unconstitutional.”

He also stressed that the California National Guard was sent without his consent, calling it a “dangerous overreach” by the federal government.

Emergency Court Filing Against Trump’s Actions

Earlier on Tuesday, Newsom's administration filed an emergency request in federal court to block the Trump administration from using military personnel in immigration raids in Los Angeles. The filing argues that such actions:

• Violate state sovereignty

• Promote civil unrest

• Heighten tensions during ongoing protests

A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for Thursday to consider California’s plea.

Newsom stated, “If this deployment goes unchallenged, every state in the Union is at risk of a similar takeover in the name of law enforcement.”

Federal Government Responds

In response, federal officials defended the move, stating that the request to block the military use would set a dangerous and unprecedented precedent.

They maintain that federal troops are within their rights to provide security for federal operations, including immigration enforcement.

According to ICE, troops are not participating in direct arrests but are authorised to temporarily detain individuals who interfere with officers or attack personnel. The arrests themselves are still being made by ICE agents and other law enforcement.

Rising Public Tensions and Protests in LA

The deployment has triggered protests in several neighbourhoods of Los Angeles. Local community groups and immigrant rights activists have accused the Trump administration of militarising immigration enforcement and creating fear among immigrant communities.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and city officials have expressed concern that the military presence is making it harder to manage the protests safely.

The LAPD Police Chief, who asked not to be named, said:

“We’re seeing more agitation and hostility, not less. The optics of troops on the streets during immigration raids create a volatile atmosphere.”

What Are the Marines Doing in LA?

Marine Corps General Eric Smith, speaking at a budget hearing on Capitol Hill, confirmed that the Marines deployed in LA have not yet responded to protests, and are only assigned to protect federal officials and property.

He added that while the Marines have been trained for crowd control, they do not have authority to make arrests. Their role, according to Gen. Smith, is to act as a protective barrier, especially around ICE operations and federal facilities.

Political Ramifications for Trump and Newsom

The deployment has widened the political gap between Trump and Newsom, who are seen as national figureheads of their respective parties — Republican and Democrat.

Newsom’s legal challenge and public opposition are being viewed as potential rallying points for Democrats heading into the 2026 mid-term elections. On the other hand, Trump continues to build his political capital around strong border control and national security, which remain top issues for his voter base.

Legal and Constitutional Questions Raised

Legal experts say the case could become a landmark battle between federal and state powers, particularly on questions like:

• Can a President deploy National Guard troops in a state without the Governor’s consent?

• What are the limits on military involvement in domestic law enforcement?

• Does the federal government have the right to use armed forces for non-combat law enforcement activities, such as immigration arrests?

Some constitutional scholars argue that Trump’s use of federal troops in immigration may violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the military from acting in domestic law enforcement without specific authorisation.

What Happens Next?

• A federal judge will hold a hearing on Thursday to determine whether the emergency request filed by California has legal standing.

• If the court sides with Newsom, the deployment could be halted or restricted.

• If the court rules in favour of Trump, it may set a legal precedent allowing more such military involvement in immigration enforcement across the country.

Meanwhile, community organisations and civil rights groups have pledged to monitor military activity and provide legal assistance to immigrants targeted during the raids.

Conclusion: A Nation on Edge

The conflict between Trump’s federal government and Newsom’s California administration is now at a breaking point. The use of troops for immigration enforcement in Los Angeles is not just a local issue — it’s a national debate over states' rights, the role of the military, and the definition of democracy.

With the 2026 mid-terms looming, and immigration already a deeply polarising topic, the coming days may shape the legal, political and social direction of the United States for years to come.

Disclaimer

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