California: In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, US District Judge Charles Breyer has ordered the return of control of the California National Guard to the state government.

The ruling, issued on Thursday, states that Trump's unilateral decision to federalise the Guard and deploy them in Los Angeles amid immigration-related protests was “illegal.”

Judge Breyer's ruling states, “His actions were illegal ... He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor of the State of California forthwith.” The decision has been temporarily paused until 12 pm local time on Friday, giving the White House time to file an appeal — a process that could escalate to the Supreme Court.

This marks the first time since 1965 that a president has federalised a state's National Guard against the wishes of its governor. Trump claimed the move was necessary because, in his words, “Los Angeles was burning” amid protests against his administration's immigration raids. However, Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials consistently maintained that the situation did not require federal intervention, noting the demonstrations were largely peaceful and confined to a limited area.

Despite some isolated incidents of violence, including the burning of several vehicles, Judge Breyer found that the protests fell “far short” of the “rebellion” Trump invoked as justification for the military involvement. The federal judge’s 36-page opinion accuses Trump of overstepping his authority in a move that critics describe as a power grab under the guise of maintaining public order.

In addition to the National Guard, Trump had also deployed 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. The legal challenge and the judge’s decision now raise constitutional questions about federal overreach, state sovereignty, and presidential limits during domestic unrest.
(With AFP Inputs)