In Los Angeles, California, large-scale riots have erupted due to the immigration enforcement actions taken by the Trump administration. President Trump has ordered the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles. However, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Monday that he is suing the Trump administration, stating that the deployment of the National Guard is “illegal.”
Bonta stated in a press conference that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ignored Governor Gavin Newsom’s request to withdraw the deployment of the National Guard.
“Yesterday afternoon, Governor Newsom actually sent a letter to Mr. Hegseth, requesting the Defense Secretary to revoke the illegal deployment of troops and return their command authority to the governor. However, this request was ignored,” Bonta said.
The purpose of the lawsuit, according to Bonta, is to ask the federal court to revoke President Trump’s order to federalize the California National Guard.
He mentioned that law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles have been “fully prepared” to handle protests, and only when these law enforcement resources are depleted should the deployment of the National Guard be considered.
“The law enforcement agencies, such as the largest sheriff’s department in the country and the third-largest police department in the nation, have made full preparations to address this issue, and they can aid each other,” he said, adding that nearby agencies can also provide assistance.
“Before resorting to the National Guard, these mutual aid forces need to be exhausted. If the deployment of the National Guard is needed, the decision on whether to deploy them will be made by the Governor of California, not the President,” he said.
On Sunday evening, clashes between protesters and law enforcement escalated further. Some protesters engaged in vandalism and violent acts, including burning cars. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at a press conference on Sunday, “The acts of violence I’ve seen are sickening.”
President Trump has ordered over 2,000 National Guard members to be stationed in Los Angeles to address the riots and public safety threats. He emphasized that with local law enforcement failing, the federal government will intervene to maintain order.
Prior to California Attorney General Bonta announcing the lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, Governor Newsom stated that Trump’s unilateral deployment of the National Guard without the state’s consent would escalate the situation, and California would sue the federal government to uphold state rights.