California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a legal battle against the Trump administration that could reshape the balance of federal and state power. The liberal governor’s lawsuit challenges President Trump’s unprecedented decision to federalize the California National Guard without state approval, setting up a major constitutional showdown as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement in the Golden State.
Trump Deploys Troops Against California’s Wishes
President Trump has taken the extraordinary step of deploying approximately 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles along with federalized National Guard troops. The military mobilization comes in response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented residents in California.
Trump invoked Title 10, Section 12406 of the U.S. Code to mobilize the National Guard without Governor Newsom’s request or consent. The President plans to deploy up to 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as part of his administration’s effort to enforce immigration law in the sanctuary state.
Newsom Claims Constitutional Overreach
The Democrat governor argues that Trump’s actions are both unlawful and unconstitutional, directly challenging federal authority. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, another Democrat, is seeking a restraining order against the National Guard deployment and claims the mobilization legally requires the governor’s consent.
Gov. Newsom sues Trump admin over federalization of California National Guard https://t.co/v8lzwLV93i
— One America News (@OANN) June 10, 2025
Newsom complained there was no communication or consultation about the deployment before federal troops arrived in his state. California officials further argue that the deployment leaves the state vulnerable to natural disasters by removing National Guard resources from state control.
Border Enforcement Tensions Escalate
The confrontation between Trump and Newsom intensified after Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan suggested arresting officials who obstruct federal immigration raids. Newsom defiantly challenged Homan to arrest him, though Homan later clarified that his words were taken out of context and he never directly threatened to arrest the governor.
While Newsom claims California cooperates with ICE on criminal matters, the state’s sanctuary policies limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The case has been strategically filed in the Northern District of California, where most judges are Democratic appointees, giving Newsom a potential home-court advantage in the legal battle.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing struggle between the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and progressive states that have implemented policies protecting illegal immigrants. Constitutional experts note the case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, potentially setting new precedent regarding presidential authority over state National Guard units during domestic emergencies.
Sources:
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/09/california-national-guard-lawsuit-gavin-newsom-00394609