California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he will file a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, following the White House’s decision to deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles without prior notice, in response to a series of protests against federal immigration policies.
“Taking control of a state’s National Guard without consulting the governor is illegal and immoral,” Newsom told MSNBC. The Democrat described the move as a serious violation of state sovereignty and criticized the president’s provocative approach, accusing him of seeking “chaos” to justify his repressive agenda.
On Sunday night, hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles during the third and most intense day of demonstrations against immigration raids. Clashes with authorities escalated on the 101 Freeway, where some participants hurled concrete chunks, fireworks, and other objects at California Highway Patrol vehicles. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades. More than 300 National Guard troops were deployed to protect federal buildings, including a detention center.
Although the city was relatively calm Monday morning, tensions remained high. Dozens of arrests were made over the weekend, including one individual who threw a Molotov cocktail and another who rammed a motorcycle into a police line. Authorities declared an unlawful assembly Sunday night, paving the way for further arrests.
Speaking from Los Angeles, where he met with local officials and law enforcement, Newsom reiterated his opposition to the federal deployment and urged protesters not to fall for provocations. “Trump wants violence. Don’t give him the excuse he’s looking for. Stay peaceful and stay focused,” the governor said.
The military presence was not coordinated with the state government, marking one of the rare instances in recent history where the National Guard has been activated without a governor’s approval. The last known case dates back to 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect civil rights marchers.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said his department was caught off guard by Friday’s raids, which were conducted without advance notice. He emphasized that officers responded as swiftly as possible and dismissed Trump administration claims of local noncooperation.
The protests began Friday in downtown Los Angeles and spread Saturday to predominantly Latino areas such as Paramount and Compton. That day, activists gathered near a Department of Homeland Security office following suspicions of another raid, though federal officials later said no enforcement action took place there.
According to federal sources, over 100 immigrants were arrested across Los Angeles throughout the week, including in shopping center parking lots and industrial zones. Several protesters were also detained, including a prominent labor leader accused of obstructing law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the White House defended its decision. “It’s a blatant lie for Newsom to claim there was no problem in Los Angeles before President Trump got involved,” said presidential spokesperson Abigail Jackson in a statement.
The National Guard deployment has become another flashpoint in the ongoing confrontation between the federal government and the state of California — a conflict that now appears destined to play out in court.
