POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsLa OpiniónOctober 25, 2026Los Angeles County

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Rules Trump Administration's 2025 National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles Illegal

Photo: La Opinión

A federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump's 2025 federalization and deployment of the California National Guard in Los Angeles exceeded his legal authority. The 2-1 decision concluded that the administration's rationale regarding a rebellion did not meet objective legal criteria.

National GuardFederalismImmigration EnforcementCivil Rights
Read the full story at La Opinión

Why It Matters

The ruling curtails executive authority over state military forces and affirms the power of state governments to maintain control over their National Guard units against federal takeover.

Key Facts

  • A federal appeals court determined that the 2025 deployment of the California National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal.
  • The ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals was decided by a 2-1 vote.
  • The court found that the administration's invocation of a 'rebellion' did not satisfy objective legal criteria.
  • The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling regarding a similar National Guard deployment in Illinois.
  • The deployment in Los Angeles was originally prompted by protests following ICE raids in June 2025.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom stated the deployment cost $118 million.
  • Judge Jennifer Sung wrote the majority opinion, while Judge Mark Bennett dissented.

Who's Mentioned

PersonDonald Trump“Former president who ordered the federalization of the California National Guard”locationPortland“City mentioned in related military deployment context.”PersonRob Bonta“Attorney General of California.”PersonJoe Biden“Former president who appointed Judge Jennifer Sung.”locationTexas“State whose National Guard members were involved in related deployments.”locationSan Francisco“Location of the Ninth Circuit court.”PersonMark Bennett“Federal appeals judge who issued a dissenting vote.”PersonGavin Newsom“Governor of California who challenged the federal deployment.”locationChicago“City mentioned in related military deployment context.”locationIllinois“State subject to a previous Supreme Court ruling regarding National Guard deploy”locationLos Angeles“City where the National Guard deployment occurred.”locationCalifornia“State whose National Guard was federalized.”PersonJennifer Sung“Federal appeals judge who authored the majority opinion.”