Daijiworld Media Network – San Francisco
San Francisco, Aug 12: A San Francisco court on Monday began hearing a three-day trial over whether former US President Donald Trump violated federal law by deploying military troops to assist immigration arrests in Los Angeles.
The case focuses on whether Trump’s actions breached the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which generally bars the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. The Trump administration maintains it acted within the law to protect federal property and agents during protests against immigration raids in June.
Ernesto Santacruz Jr, Los Angeles field office director for the Department of Homeland Security, testified that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were facing daily attacks before the troops’ arrival. He said assaults “reduced drastically” after the deployment.
The move, however, bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, with about 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines sent to Los Angeles. While most have since left, 250 guard members remain under federal command.
California has urged Judge Charles Breyer to return control of the troops to the state and stop the use of military personnel in civilian law enforcement. Breyer earlier ruled the protests “fall far short of rebellion” and found Trump’s actions exceeded federal authority, marking a win for the state before the administration appealed.
Since June, federal immigration raids — accompanied by guard members — have taken place across Los Angeles, Ventura County farms, and even at public spots like Home Depots and bus stops. Reports say some US citizens were also detained in the process.
The trial’s outcome could set a precedent for future presidential use of the National Guard in California and beyond.