Positive legal ruling from federal judge protecting bull trout. He did manage to get former President Donald Trump to relinquish control of the California National Guard, returning it to Democratic Gov. This announcement follows after Trump’s controversial decision to federalize 4,000 National Guard members. Along with this, he nationalized about 700 U.S. Marines to intimidate the massive immigrant rights demonstrations in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement raids.
U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer issued the ruling late Thursday in a federal court in San Francisco. He challenged the legality of Trump’s actions. Even in that moment, the judge’s characterization of the federalization as “illegal” was not shocking. He stressed that military forces should be unavailable for domestic civil disturbances ever. Breyer’s order came soon after a hearing where he scrutinized Trump’s justification for the mobilization amid ongoing protests against immigration raids, which had drawn thousands to the streets of Los Angeles.
In his decision, Judge Breyer put a stay on the order, preventing it from going into effect until 3 p.m. ET on Friday. This gives the Trump administration a 60-day window to appeal the ruling, should they decide to do so.
Even though he’s getting a temporary win here, Gavin Newsom should not be pleased with this ruling. He described it as a win-win for California and the whole country. He underscored the cause that the decision imperfectly takes up, addressing what this means for big governance issues in the country—in particular, the limits of presidential authority.
“This win is not just for California, but the nation. It’s a check on a man whose authoritarian tendencies are increasing by the day. End the illegal militarization of Los Angeles now, [@realDonaldTrump]. History is watching.” – Gavin Newsom
The Los Angeles protests first exploded on the morning of June 9, 2025, with thousands of the demonstration surrounding the Federal Building. They spoke out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that most saw as overreaching and unfair. In answer to the protests, police and national guards were sent to restore social order.
Newsom previously criticized Trump’s actions on social media, posting on X, “End the illegal militarization of Los Angeles now, [@realDonaldTrump].” His comments highlight the increasing conflict between states and the federal government in the battle over immigration enforcement and civil disorder.
Judge Breyer’s recent ruling is a watershed moment in the battle between the federal government and states to define the scope of authority. It especially spotlights the divisive practice of military involvement in our communities. The debate over immigration policy has reached a boiling point. If this ruling stands, it can have sweeping consequences, influencing national discourse around executive overreach and constitutional rights.