A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump acted illegally by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles without California’s approval, sparking a fierce legal and political battle.
US District Judge Charles Breyer said on Thursday that Trump must return control of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom. In a detailed 36-page opinion, Breyer said the recent protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids did not justify the president's decision, stating the unrest was not the “rebellion” Trump had claimed.
“This is an extraordinary intrusion on the President’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief,” the Department of Justice argued in an emergency appeal. Breyer's order was temporarily paused until Friday to allow time for an appeal, and a higher court quickly extended that pause to consider the matter further, scheduling a hearing for June 17. This means Trump will keep control of the National Guard through the weekend, when more protests are expected.
The demonstrations in Los Angeles were sparked by aggressive federal immigration raids. While the protests have included looting, vandalism, and even the burning of driverless taxis, Breyer ruled they fell well short of a situation that would justify federal military intervention.
Trump had sent 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to Los Angeles, defying local officials who insisted they had the situation under control. This marked the first time since 1965 that a president overrode a state governor’s wishes to deploy the National Guard. Critics say Trump’s move is a dangerous overreach of power, with some accusing him of acting like a dictator.
Governor Newsom welcomed the court ruling, saying, “Trump is not a monarch, he is not a king, and he should stop acting like one.”
The tension grew worse after California Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed and removed from a press conference while questioning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video shows Padilla being pushed to the ground and restrained, sparking outrage among Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the incident “totalitarian” and demanded an investigation.
As protests grow and critics speak out, Trump continues to stand by his actions. He has claimed credit for “making Los Angeles safe” and criticized Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, for “losing control.”
Breyer’s ruling comes just two days before the national “No Kings” protests and a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the US Army’s 250th anniversary—and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.
News
Court Halts Isiolo Governor Impeachment Over Public Participation
A planned public participation exercise meant to discuss the proposed removal of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has been called off after the court issued a conservatory order halting the process.
President Ruto Signs New Anti-Money Laundering Bill Into Law
President William Ruto has officially signed into law a new Bill aimed at strengthening Kenya’s efforts to fight money laundering and financial crimes.
Harvard Wins Extension of Court Order Against Trump Student Ban
Harvard University has successfully secured an extension of a court order that blocks former President Donald Trump’s ban on international students.
Fitch Warns Israel-Iran Conflict May Threaten Regional Stability
The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran has raised security and geopolitical risks across the Middle East, Fitch Ratings warned on June 17.
Fresh Protests in Nairobi Over Death of Teacher in Police Cell
Protests broke out in Nairobi on Tuesday as outrage grows over the death of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody after his arrest in Homa Bay County.
Russian Strikes Kill 14 in Kyiv as Ukraine Faces Deadliest Attack
At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured during a brutal overnight attack on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital city.
Officer Claims DIG Lagat Ordered Assault on Blogger Albert Ojwang
A police officer has come forward with disturbing details about the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.
Why South Korea Needs Long-Term Nuclear Research Partners
South Korea has made impressive progress in nuclear energy, expanding from building large reactors to exploring advanced technologies like fusion and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Police Officer Suspended After Pregnant Woman Loses Baby in Custody
A police officer has been interdicted after a pregnant woman lost her unborn baby while being held at Rwanyambo Police Post in Nyandarua County.
Israel Strikes Iran, Targets Nuclear Sites in Escalating Tensions
Israel has launched airstrikes on Iran, specifically targeting the country’s nuclear facilities in what marks a serious escalation between the two longtime rivals.
20 Deaths Reported in Police Custody in Just Four Months
Twenty people have died while in police custody in the last four months, raising serious concerns about police conduct.
Air India Plane With Over 240 Aboard Crashes After Takeoff
A London-bound Air India flight carrying more than 240 people crashed shortly after takeoff in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Tensions Rise as Israel Poised to Strike Iran Within Days
Israel may be just days away from launching a military strike on Iran, according to U.S. sources speaking to Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen on June 11.
Sudan Accuses Haftar’s Libyan Forces of Aiding RSF Attack
Sudan’s military government has accused Libyan forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar of supporting a deadly border attack, claiming the Libyan faction directly aided the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in an assault near the intersection of Sudan, Libya, and Egypt.
Safaricom Distances Itself from Arrest of Albert Ojwang
Safaricom has denied any involvement in the recent arrest of Albert Ojwang, following public speculation linking the company to the incident.