Judge Rules Trump and Hegseth Violated Law with Troop Deployment in LA

U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer has ruled that President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated federal law by deploying Federalized National Guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles in June 2025. The ruling, issued today, emphasizes a breach of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of federal military personnel in domestic law enforcement.

Judge Breyer stated that evidence presented during the trial showed that armed soldiers and military vehicles were used to establish protective perimeters, engage in crowd control, and assert a military presence, effectively creating a "national police force" under the president"s command. The judge"s order prohibits federal troops from participating in security patrols, riot control, arrests, searches, or crowd control across the United States, effective September 12.

This ruling follows a series of contentious decisions regarding the military"s role in civil affairs, echoing similar situations that have occurred in recent years. The deployment in Los Angeles was part of a broader response to civil unrest, sparking debates on the limits of executive power and the military"s involvement in domestic issues. Earlier coverage highlighted concerns over the potential militarization of police forces and the implications for civil liberties.

The impact of this ruling is significant, as it establishes legal boundaries for military involvement in domestic security, affecting how federal resources can be mobilized in future emergencies. As the political landscape continues to evolve, this decision may influence ongoing discussions about law enforcement and military roles in American society. For more on related developments, see our article on recent developments in this case.