The power struggle between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom over the federalization of the state’s National Guard soldiers has raised concerns about the president’s authority to use military forces for domestic law enforcement. The administration’s assertion that the president can seize control of states’ National Guard units, even during peacetime, has sparked a heated legal battle.
During a court hearing, Justice Department lawyer Brett Shumate argued that the president has the authority to deploy National Guard troops to back up Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, even to meet daily arrest quotas. This aggressive stance on presidential power has alarmed civil liberties advocates, who see it as a threat to American civic traditions.
The mobilization of thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines in California is just the latest example of Trump’s efforts to undermine the long-standing tradition that keeps the military from being used for domestic law enforcement. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of the military for such purposes, except in specific cases like the invocation of the Insurrection Act, which Trump has not utilized.
Governor Newsom’s lawsuit against Trump’s deployment of the state’s National Guard troops was initially successful, with U.S. District Court Judge Charles R. Breyer ruling that Trump’s actions were illegal. However, the Trump administration quickly appealed, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the lower court’s decision, keeping the soldiers under Trump’s control.
Trump’s threat to deploy ICE for raids in major cities across the country, coupled with the administration’s argument that troops could accompany ICE officers, has raised concerns about the expanding use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. The memo Trump used to federalize California’s National Guard troops applies to any locations where protests against federal law enforcement functions are occurring or likely to occur, based on threat assessments and planned operations.
Civil liberties advocates have criticized the unprecedented breadth of Trump’s authority to use the military domestically for law enforcement. The administration’s argument that protests in Los Angeles, even if nonviolent, justify the federalization of National Guard troops, underscores the administration’s aggressive stance on presidential power.
As the legal battle between the Trump administration and California continues, the implications of Trump’s expansive view of presidential authority to deploy military forces for domestic law enforcement remain a key point of contention. The outcome of this power struggle will have far-reaching implications for the balance of powers between the federal government and the states.
Again, it would fall within the president’s discretion, based on the facts available to him.” If he abused his authority, the Justice Department lawyer said, “Congress can check that decision.” He went on, talking about “some external force” that might force the president’s hand. Miller stopped him.
“Mere dissatisfaction with the level of the regular forces that Congress had provided would not be enough under that definition?” the judge asked.
“I wouldn’t want to concede that,” he said. “I think that would be the president’s decision, based on all the facts available to him, and the record may support it in a particular case.”
Another Trump appointee, Judge Mark J. Bennett, chimed in with a hypothetical: What if a problem was limited to California? Could Trump call up the National Guard units of all 50 states plus those from Washington, D.C.? Would that be unreviewable by courts?
These aren’t idle threats: In late May, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told ICE leadership to simply “go out there and arrest illegal aliens,” including at Home Depot and 7-Eleven locations, rather than following target lists for specific individuals.
The Wall Street Journal reported.
And observers across the country have seen upticks in the types of provocative, sometimes-lawless arrests that frequently lead to protests, including arrests at courthouses, raids of jobsites, and indiscriminate enforcement at places where people of varying immigration statuses, such as day laborers and farmworkers, are known to congregate. Numerous reports detail ICE officers aggressively smashing car windows and demanding identification, even without judicial warrants.
In a Truth Social post Sunday, Trump outlined orders for ICE officers and other federal law enforcement to “expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.”
“To ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, the Patriots at Pentagon and the State Department, you have my unwavering support,” the message ended. “Now go, GET THE JOB DONE! DJT”
How Trump Escalated The LA Protests
Trump’s use of the military in California is the first such domestic deployment of troops against the wishes of a governor since President John F. Kennedy called up the National Guard to enforce the desegregation of the University of Alabama in 1963.
But the need for federal troops is much less clear this time. Since June 6, protesters in the Los Angeles area have demonstrated against widespread ICE enforcement actions. The protests expanded quickly, yet as they grew, they remained largely peaceful. There was some property destruction over a few blocks in downtown Los Angeles and around federal buildings in the city, but as The New York Times’ longtime Los Angeles bureau chief observed, the protests were “barely more disruptive than a Laker parade.”
What’s more, local law enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and California Highway Patrol — not to mention the oodles of federal law enforcement in the area — have shown themselves quite willing to use overwhelming force against protesters, including tear gas and projectiles.
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We cannot do this without you. Please consider contributing to JS and help us continue to be a beacon of truth in a world filled with misinformation. Thank you for your support. Over the past few decades, the way we communicate has drastically changed thanks to advancements in technology. The rise of the internet and social media has revolutionized how we connect with one another, making it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family members around the world.
One of the most significant changes that technology has brought about is the ability to communicate in real-time. With the click of a button, we can send a message, make a phone call, or even video chat with someone on the other side of the globe. This has made it much easier for people to maintain long-distance relationships and has opened up new opportunities for businesses to connect with customers and clients.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have also played a major role in changing the way we communicate. These platforms allow us to share our thoughts, experiences, and photos with a wide audience, making it easier to stay connected with friends and family members who we may not see in person very often. Social media has also become a powerful tool for businesses, allowing them to reach new customers and engage with existing ones in a more personal way.
Another way that technology has changed communication is through the use of mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets have made it possible for us to be constantly connected to the internet, allowing us to send and receive messages, emails, and phone calls no matter where we are. This has made it easier for us to stay in touch with one another, but it has also raised concerns about the impact of constant connectivity on our mental health and well-being.
Despite these concerns, it’s clear that technology has had a positive impact on the way we communicate. It has made it easier for us to stay connected with one another, share our thoughts and experiences, and build relationships with people all over the world. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the way we communicate in the future. Recent studies have shown that one of the most effective ways to improve mental health and overall well-being is through regular physical exercise. Physical activity has long been known to have numerous benefits for the body, such as improving cardiovascular health, increasing strength and flexibility, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. However, the impact of exercise on mental health is often overlooked.
Exercise has been found to have a positive effect on mood and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. These endorphins interact with receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. This is often referred to as the “runner’s high” and can help boost our mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
In addition to the immediate mood-boosting effects of exercise, regular physical activity can also have long-term benefits for mental health. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in regular exercise are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical activity has been found to reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol, and can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted by mental health conditions.
Furthermore, exercise can also help improve self-esteem and body image, which are often negatively impacted by mental health issues. By setting and achieving fitness goals, individuals can gain a sense of accomplishment and build confidence in their abilities. This can translate into other areas of life and help individuals feel more empowered and in control of their mental health.
It’s important to note that exercise doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming to have a positive impact on mental health. Even just a short walk or yoga session can help reduce feelings of stress and improve mood. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily routine.
Overall, the link between exercise and mental health is clear. Physical activity has the power to improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost overall well-being. By making exercise a priority in your life, you can take proactive steps towards improving your mental health and living a happier, healthier life.
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