Trump violates federal law by deploying troops in Los Angeles
- In 2020, federal troops were deployed to aid law enforcement during immigration protests in Los Angeles.
- A federal judge found this action violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
- The ruling may shape future federal military deployments in U.S. cities, as the Trump administration contemplates similar actions elsewhere.
In June 2020, federal troops were deployed in Los Angeles, California, to assist with law enforcement activities during a crackdown against protests related to immigration policies. This action was met with significant legal challenges, culminating in a ruling by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in September 2020. The judge found that the deployment, which involved federalized California National Guard members and Marine forces, constituted a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. This act is a 19th-century law that restricts the military's involvement in domestic law enforcement unless expressly allowed by Congress or the Constitution. The ruling follows a three-day trial that included testimonies from military leaders regarding the operations in Los Angeles. Breyer's decision prohibits the federal troops from engaging in various enforcement activities, including arrests and crowd control, emphasizing the risks of establishing a