California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a statement following the conclusion of a three-day trial in the state’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges what California alleges was the unlawful use of federalized California National Guard troops and Marines for civilian law enforcement purposes in Los Angeles.
“Before the trial began, I issued a statement expressing confidence that the evidence would show that the Trump Administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Now that the trial has ended, I remain confident. Our legal team did a great job,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We asked the court to grant a permanent injunction to stop the Administration from using the military for domestic law enforcement and maintaining a standing army in Southern California. We made a compelling case — backed by facts and specifics — and we look forward to getting a decision in the near future.”
The Posse Comitatus Act restricts members of the military from participating in civilian law enforcement activities. During the trial, California argued that orders given to federalized National Guard troops and Marines by the Trump Administration violated three tests under this Act. According to state officials, these violations included direct use of military personnel for law enforcement such as armed perimeter support, blockades, apprehension and detention of civilians, as well as involvement in most immigration raids around Los Angeles after June mobilization orders.
State representatives also stated that military involvement extended into activities typically handled by civilian authorities and claimed civilians were subjected to military power under federal command.
Attorney General Bonta reiterated his commitment to holding President Trump and his administration accountable for exceeding their authority and infringing on constitutional rights. In addition to this lawsuit, Bonta led a coalition of states in filing an amicus brief supporting efforts to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from conducting what they allege are unconstitutional stops during immigration sweeps targeting Los Angeles residents.
