Federal Judge to Rule on Legality of Trump's Military Deployment in LA Immigration Raids
August 11, 2025
A federal judge in San Francisco is set to examine whether the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard soldiers and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles during immigration raids violated federal law.
Initially, approximately 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines were deployed, but as of the latest Pentagon figures, only 250 National Guard members remain.
This case is particularly significant as it involves the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from acting as a domestic police force.
The Trump administration has opposed the case, employing legal maneuvers to dismiss it based on claims related to the Posse Comitatus Act.
The upcoming trial, scheduled to last three days, will explore the legality of the National Guard's involvement in the protests and immigration enforcement.
Judge Breyer has asserted that the protests do not meet the legal definition of a 'rebellion,' which will be a key point of discussion during the trial.
Despite the Trump administration's legal challenges, Judge Breyer confirmed that the trial will proceed as planned.
Previously, Judge Breyer ruled that the Trump administration violated the 10th Amendment by exceeding its authority, which led to an appeal from the administration.
In its appeal, the Trump administration argued that the courts should not question presidential decisions regarding military deployments.
The administration's appeal has secured a temporary stay, allowing federal control of the troops to continue while the case is under review.
During the proceedings, Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman testified that military forces can perform certain law enforcement actions, such as establishing security perimeters around federal facilities, despite restrictions on domestic policing.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Aug 11, 2025
US judge to consider if Trump team broke law during LA Ice protests
ABC News • Aug 11, 2025
Trial to start on whether deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles violated federal law
AP News • Aug 11, 2025
Trial starts over National Guard deployment to Los Angeles | AP News
The Boston Globe • Aug 11, 2025
Trial to start on whether deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles violated federal law