US federal judge halts Trump’s National Guard operations in California

In December 2025, a US federal judge blocked the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, California. Judge Charles Breyer ruled against the government's claim that the deployment was necessary to quell protests related to immigration raids. The ruling grants a preliminary injunction sought by California officials, ordering the troops to be returned to the authority of Governor Gavin Newsom, though the decision is on hold until Monday. Approximately 4,000 National Guard members were sent to Los Angeles in June without the governor's approval, with about 100 remaining at the time of the ruling. The administration argued the troops were needed to protect federal officials and property, but the judge sided with California's argument against the deployment.

A federal judge blocked President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles and ordered their return to California's governor's control. The ruling on Wednesday addressed a deployment initiated in June following protests related to immigration raids. Judge Breyer stated the Trump administration failed to justify federal control of the state's National Guard, despite arguments that federal immigration agents were still being targeted. The judge also rejected the administration's argument that courts shouldn't intervene in presidential control of state National Guard troops during emergencies. The order is delayed until December 15 to allow the Trump administration time to appeal, with the White House stating they expect to win the issue ultimately. This follows similar contested deployments of National Guard troops to other cities like Portland and Washington D.C.

A US judge blocked the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles and ordered their return to California's control. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom after the federal government federalized the state's National Guard in June, deploying approximately 4,000 troops in response to protests over immigration raids. Judge Breyer rejected the administration's claim that the protests constituted a rebellion justifying federal control. The judge granted a preliminary injunction sought by California, returning the remaining 100 troops to state command, though the decision is on hold until Monday. The administration had argued the troops were needed to protect federal personnel and property, extending the deployment until February.

A federal judge is questioning the Trump administration's authority to maintain control over California's National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles in June. The deployment, initiated in response to protests over immigration raids, was opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who filed a lawsuit. During a hearing, Judge Charles Breyer expressed skepticism about the federal government's rationale, noting the changed situation and questioning the indefinite command of the state's National Guard. California seeks a preliminary injunction to regain control of the troops, while the Justice Department argues the president has the power to extend control as long as necessary, citing the need to protect federal property and personnel. The judge did not immediately rule on the injunction.