Well over 10% of the U.S. population lives in California, one of the many ways it is one of the largest and most influential states in the nation. For some in the federal government, it also qualifies as the biggest thorn in the Trump administration's side.
The Golden State has repeatedly shown a willingness to stand against certain aspects of President Donald Trump's agenda. The Trump administration's end-around to deploy the California National Guard and other federal troops in Los Angeles over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom has led to a bitterly fought legal battle.
With raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency meeting widespread protests, resistance, and scorn, the administration has opted for court again.
On June 30, 2025, the Justice Department filed suit against the city of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and members of the city council. It seeks an injunction against Los Angeles' "sanctuary city" ordinance that prohibits local police from assisting with ICE raids. The city insists the ordinance, signed into law in December 2024, conforms to federal laws and constitutional responsibilities.
You Did Hear the Part Where We Said, "Thanks but No Thanks," Right?
Massive ICE raids on businesses and locations like Home Depot in Los Angeles in early June sparked resistance from the city's inhabitants. Objecting to masked men who refused to identify themselves as they made arrests without warrants with unmarked vehicles, large protests targeted a few blocks in downtown LA that housed federal buildings. In some cases, they turned violent.
Despite the insistence of Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass that the LA police had the situation under control, President Trump used an officer in the California National Guard to circumvent the required Governor's approval for deployment on June 7th. He also sent in 700 U.S. Marines while stating, without evidence, that there were "paid protesters" causing problems.
Critics derided the move as unnecessary and smacking of political theater. The protester numbers were estimated at around 600 people, and the LAPD has 8,000 officers in its ranks.
Governor Newsom sued for an injunction to block President Trump's control of the California National Guard, which was granted by a trial court but stayed on appeal. The matter is still being litigated.
A week-long curfew imposed by Mayor Bass seemed to quell the violence, although protests continued.
Why Can't We All Just Get Along?
Los Angeles prides itself on being a city of immigrants, which is reflected in its extremely diverse population. The target of the Justice Department's filing is Los Angeles' "Prohibition of the Use of City Resources for Federal Immigration Enforcement" ordinance in December 2024. It states that no Los Angeles city resources can be used to aid in immigration enforcement by agents of the federal government unless permitted under California state law.
The ordinance covers the Los Angeles police, who aren't allowed to offer assistance to ICE agents. The rationale is that if residents don't trust their local law enforcement officers, they won't come forth with issues such as gang violence or domestic violence. The city had a marked decline in most major crime statistics between 2023 and 2024.
The Justice Department lawsuit alleges that the ordinance violates the supremacy clause under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution. Arguing that federal law supersedes state law, it wants the court to issue an injunction blocking the ordinance from being enforced. Los Angeles counters that it meets all state and federal laws and is perfectly legal. The fates of tens of thousands of people will hang in the balance as the issue plays out in court.
Related Resources:
- Immigration Law (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Who Controls the National Guard? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Rioting and Inciting To Riot (FindLaw's Criminal Charges)
