Deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles Raises Legal Concerns
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a move described by many as unprecedented, the Trump administration has initiated the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to bolster federal immigration enforcement efforts. The possibility of involving U.S. Marines has not been dismissed.
The deployment follows two consecutive days of unrest triggered by forceful immigration raids. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, protests erupted following early-morning raids that led to the detention of numerous undocumented migrants.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded with an emergency lawsuit, labeling the action as “an illegal act, an immoral act, an unconstitutional act.” He argues that the deployment infringes upon state authority as protected by the Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent.
Project 2025: A Precedent for Military Involvement
The strategy is not unexpected, aligning with the proposals found in Project 2025. Page 555 of this document explicitly suggests the use of military and National Guard for arrest operations, stating:
“This could include use of active-duty military personnel and National Guardsmen to assist in arrest operations along the border — something that has not yet been done.”
This plan is now being realized, not only at the border but within Los Angeles itself.
Implications for Other Cities
Governor Newsom’s lawsuit seeks to halt the deployment, arguing it breaches California’s Tenth Amendment rights. His legal team asserts that transferring state Guard troops to federal Title 10 authority undermines state control and could lead to widespread militarized immigration enforcement across the nation. Read more about the lawsuit here.
Legal analysts warn that this move may contravene the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement unless specifically authorized by Congress or under rare exceptions. However, under Project 2025, these boundaries are being deliberately blurred.
The implications extend beyond Los Angeles. Other cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, known for their sanctuary status, might also face similar federal actions. Project 2025 establishes a framework for federal enforcement in areas where local opposition is strong, effectively substituting local governance with federal intervention.
This deployment signals a stern warning: any city opposing the administration’s immigration policies risks being transformed into a militarized zone.
