California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom have initiated legal action against President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth. The lawsuit challenges an order that seeks to federalize the California National Guard for 60 days under 10 U.S.C. § 12406. The move by the Department of Defense, directed by the President, involved redirecting hundreds of National Guard troops from San Diego to Los Angeles without authorization from Governor Newsom or local law enforcement.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “President Trump’s order calling federalized National Guard troops into Los Angeles – over the objections of the Governor and local law enforcement – is unnecessary and counterproductive.” He emphasized that there is no invasion or rebellion, arguing that federalizing the National Guard exceeds presidential authority under the law.
Governor Newsom also criticized the decision, saying, “Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the U.S. Constitution and overstepping his authority.” He called on governors across political lines to reject what he termed as an “outrageous overreach.”
The legal challenge follows a series of immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown Los Angeles on June 6 and 7, which were met with protests. Subsequently, President Trump issued a memorandum authorizing the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard personnel into federal service for security purposes related to Homeland Security functions.
The lawsuit argues that this action usurps state authority as it bypasses required consent from Governor Newsom under 10 U.S.C. § 12406. It further claims that this order infringes upon California’s right to control its own National Guard unless legally justified by federal power invocation.
The situation has sparked concerns about potential unrest due to military presence in civilian areas after initial tensions had subsided following ICE operations. The state’s leadership insists on retaining control over its resources to address emergencies effectively without external intervention deemed unlawful.
A copy of the lawsuit is available for public access.
