A California judge rules that Trump’s deployment of the guard to LA was illegal
A California federal judge has ruled for the second time that President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles violated the law, stating it performed law enforcement duties that are prohibited for the military. But District Judge Charles R. Breyer delayed the implementation of his ruling until Sept. 12, in which time the Trump administration could appeal.
The judge took evidence in a trial last month about the actions of the guard stationed in L.A. in a unit called Task Force 51. Attorneys for the state argued with administration attorneys over whether the troops exceeded restrictions on the longstanding ban against U.S. military carrying out law enforcement on civilians.
“The record is replete with evidence that Task Force 51 executed domestic law in these prohibited ways,” Breyer wrote in a 52-page ruling. He said the troops had set up traffic blockades to aid federal agents they were mixed with. “Bystanders at multiple locations and even federal officials at trial were unable to distinguish Task Force 51 troops from federal law enforcement agents.”
He cited as another example when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered guard troops to patrol MacArthur Park as a show of force for the federal presence.
Breyer ruled in June that the guard deployment was illegal on other grounds but was immediately overturned by an appeals court panel of judges that allowed Trump to maintain control of the troops.
Trump had said he sent the troops in to stop a rebellion and to prevent protesters from blocking immigration agents. California officials contended there was no rebellion and police could have handled the situation on their own.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
Washington National Opera leaves Kennedy Center, joining slew of artist exits
The WNO is just the latest to say they will no longer perform at the Kennedy Center since Trump took over last year.
Ukrainian drones set fire to Russian oil depot after Moscow launches new hypersonic missile
The strike comes a day after Russia bombarded Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including a powerful new hypersonic missile that hit western Ukraine.
Opinion: Remembering Renee Good
Renee Good won a national prize six years ago for her poem "On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs," which muses on science and faith. Good was shot to death by an ICE agent this week in Minneapolis.
PHOTOS: Laundry is a chore but there’s a beauty and serenity in the way it hangs out
A new photo series from Filipino photographer Macy Castañeda Lee offers a visually striking view of the mundane task of doing laundry and the role it plays in a rural economy.
2026 looks ominous for media, from Hollywood to journalism
Critic at large Eric Deggans says that in 2026, audiences have more power than they realize to determine the future of news and entertainment.
Influencer, White House welfare fraud claims are distorted, but the system has risks
Federal officials are targeting Democratic-led states over alleged safety-net fraud. Critics worry a drumbeat of unfounded accusations could undermine public trust.
