U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, escalating the federal response to ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The Department of Defense confirmed the move, stating that the troops will support ICE and federal law enforcement amid rising tensions.
This latest deployment, announced on Monday, comes on top of the 2,000 National Guard troops Trump ordered on Saturday. In a post on X, Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, wrote, “At the order of the President, the Department of Defense is mobilizing an additional 2,000 California National Guard to be called into federal service to support ICE & to enable federal law-enforcement officers to safely conduct their duties.”
The announcement coincided with California’s legal challenge against the federal order. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration filed a lawsuit on Monday, asking a judge to declare the deployment unconstitutional and to block any further mobilization of National Guard troops without state approval.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta condemned the decision during a press conference, calling it “unnecessary, counterproductive, and unlawful.” Bonta asserted that the federal activation of the Guard violated the 10th Amendment, arguing that it was executed without the governor’s consent and against the wishes of local law enforcement.
“This is a clear abuse of federal power,” said Bonta. “Trump’s move undermines state authority and defies constitutional limits.”
This legal filing marks California’s 24th lawsuit against the Trump administration in just 19 weeks, highlighting ongoing friction between the state and federal government.
In response, the White House pushed back sharply. “It’s pathetic that Newsom is more focused on saving face than protecting law enforcement and holding criminals accountable,” said Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly. “As the President said, Newsom should thank him for restoring law and order.”
Governor Newsom also took to social media, accusing Trump of “creating fear and terror to take over a state militia and violate the U.S. Constitution.”
The protests, which erupted after ICE raids across Los Angeles led to the arrest of dozens of undocumented immigrants, have sparked national debate over federal immigration enforcement and states’ rights. As tensions continue, the legality of the troop deployment and the broader question of federal control over state National Guards will now be decided in court.
