A federal judge has ruled against President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in California, calling it unlawful under the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act.

No “Rebellion” Justifying Action

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer wrote that Trump acted without legal basis when he sent troops to Los Angeles during protests against immigration enforcement in June 2025.

“Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond,” Breyer stated, noting that armed soldiers and military vehicles were used for crowd control and traffic blockades.

Plans for Expanded Deployment

Court documents revealed that the Trump administration planned to expand the deployment beyond Los Angeles to Oakland, San Francisco, and potentially other states. About 300 National Guard members still remain stationed in Los Angeles.

Legal Battle Continues

Earlier this year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily allowed Trump to keep control of the Guard while California Gov. Gavin Newsom pursued a lawsuit challenging the move. Breyer’s latest decision reaffirms that Congress clearly barred the use of the military for domestic law enforcement.

For more on the controversial and legal implications of Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops during protests, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.