A US judge has blocked the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ordering the remaining soldiers to be returned to the control of California's governor. The ruling, issued on Wednesday by District Judge Charles Breyer, came after a legal challenge from the state's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.
The Trump administration federalised California's National Guard in June, deploying around 4,000 troops to respond to protests over immigration raids. Governor Newsom denounced the move as unprecedented and illegal, filing a lawsuit on behalf of the state. The number of troops has since been reduced to about 100.
Judge Breyer rejected the federal government's argument that recent protests amounted to a rebellion, which would justify taking command from the state. He granted a preliminary injunction sought by California, but put the order on hold until Monday to allow for a possible appeal.
The White House defended the deployment, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating that President Trump has lawful authority to deploy troops in response to 'violent riots'. Governor Newsom welcomed the ruling, saying he looks forward to the troops being returned to state control after being 'deployed against their own communities'.
The case is part of a broader legal battle over Trump's use of federal troops in several US cities. Judges have consistently ruled that the administration overstepped its authority, and military officials have been scaling back deployments in recent months.
