By Nicolapps, Human Rights Defender
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration "broke federal law" by deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles during immigration enforcement operations and the protests that followed in Southern California.
The decision, issued by Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco, found that Trump’s order violated the historic "Posse Comitatus Act", which limits the use of the military in enforcing domestic law. While the ruling does not order the immediate withdrawal of the remaining troops, it will take effect on Friday and sets an "important legal precedent".
A Clear Limit on Domestic Militarization
The Trump administration had federalized California’s National Guard against the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom and local leaders. The White House attempted to justify the move under provisions intended for extreme scenarios such as invasions or rebellions—an argument the court rejected as an "abuse of executive authority".
The ruling halts Trump’s effort to expand militarization to other cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and New York, where he had threatened similar deployments.
Human Rights Relevance
From a human rights perspective, this decision is critical. Deploying troops against civilians exercising their "right to protest and free expression" represents a direct threat to democratic principles.
Military presence not only intimidates already vulnerable immigrant communities, but also sets a dangerous precedent for political repression. This ruling reaffirms that in the United States, "the military cannot be used as a tool of internal control" against dissent or peaceful protest.
Final Reflection
As a Human Rights Defender, I welcome this ruling as a victory for democracy and civil liberties in the United States. The judiciary has reminded us that "no president is above the law" and that national security cannot be used as a pretext to militarize the streets or silence critical voices.
This precedent is vital: it protects immigrants, protesters, and ordinary citizens, and it sends a clear message that constitutional rights remain the backbone of American society.
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