Photo: MANDEL NGAN / AFP / Getty Images
A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for Thursday to address California Governor Gavin Newsom's request to prevent the Trump administration from deploying troops in Los Angeles. The request comes in response to recent immigration raids and subsequent protests in the city. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer denied an urgent request for a temporary restraining order on Tuesday but granted the Trump administration additional time to respond.
Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the restraining order to stop what they describe as the "unlawful militarization" of Los Angeles. Newsom criticized the deployment of 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard members, calling it a "brazen abuse of power" and claiming it exacerbates tensions rather than calming them. The deployment marks the first time in over 30 years that Marines have been mobilized within the United States to address civil unrest.
The Trump administration defends the deployment, stating it is necessary to protect federal property and personnel amid the protests. An ICE spokesperson confirmed that troops are providing security for federal facilities and assisting with transportation needs. However, the state of California argues that this deployment undermines state sovereignty and escalates civil unrest.
The protests in Los Angeles began following coordinated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which led to the detention of numerous workers. The protests have resulted in mass arrests, looting, and a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles. The Trump administration has not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow the military to suppress domestic unrest, but is relying on presidential authority to protect federal property.