A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously determined that President Donald Trump acted within his legal authority in federalizing and maintaining control of approximately 4,000 California National Guard members and deploying about 700 Marines to Los Angeles during protests over immigration raids.
The key to the decision centered on the interpretation of a 1903 law, which gives the president authority to federalize the National Guard when national security is at risk and local law enforcement cannot respond effectively. The appeal reversed a previous order by Justice Breyer that required returning his command to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Court backs Trump
The ruling reaffirms that, although certain presidential decisions can be judicially reviewed if they are “patently absurd or motivated by bad faith,” the decision on this deployment was considered reasonable under the legal criteria.
On his social network Truth Social, Trump called the ruling a “great victory for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.”
He also criticized Governor Newsom, whom he called “incompetent.”
Newsom contests ruling
For his part, Newsom stated that he respects the courts’ ability to review.
However, he called Trump’s intervention an “authoritarian” act and announced that he will appeal to an expanded panel of the same court or, possibly, to the Supreme Court.
The key to the decision centered on the interpretation of a 1903 law
This episode is part of a broader context:
Protests in Los Angeles that began on June 6, 2025, which included peaceful demonstrations, some rioting, arrests and clashes with police.
As well as interventions by the National Guard under federal command.
Latinos, the most affected
Buzzy
Direct impact on Latino communities: ICE protests and raids primarily affected Latinos, which directly impacts this community.
Balance of powers: This federalism dispute highlights how federal government decisions can influence the daily lives of migrant residents and their neighborhoods.
Potential national precedent: If Trump or a future president repeats these actions in other states, further federal intervention in state and local affairs may be cemented.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
