Who's in Charge? The National Guard Showdown in Los Angeles

The National Guard's role in Los Angeles has sparked a heated debate. A federal judge recently questioned whether their deployment violates a key law. This law, known as the Posse Comitatus Act, stops the military from acting like police on American soil. The judge's question came during a court hearing in San Francisco. The hearing was about California's challenge to President Trump's decision to send troops to handle anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. The judge did not make any new rulings but asked for more information. He wants to know if the federal government broke the law. California's governor, Gavin Newsom, had warned that this might happen. He said that the law might already be broken. The judge had delayed looking into this earlier. The vice president, JD Vance, visited the troops in Los Angeles. He said that the president's reason for sending troops was valid. He also said that the president would do it again if needed. The National Guard has been helping federal agents during immigration raids. They also briefly detained a civilian, which is unusual. The judge had previously said that the president acted illegally. He said that the president sent troops even though the governor opposed it. But an appeals court stopped the judge's order. The judge also asked about who has the power to stop the deployment. California wants the troops back under the governor's control. The protests in Los Angeles have calmed down lately. The president said that the troops are needed to maintain order. The governor disagreed, saying their presence made things worse. The judge said that the president overstepped his authority. He noted that presidents can only control state National Guard troops during serious threats. The administration argued that courts should not question the president's decisions. The appeals court said that presidents do not have unlimited power. However, they also said that the administration had shown enough reason for federalizing the troops. The National Guard in California will stay under federal control for now. This is the first time since 1965 that a state National Guard has been deployed without the governor's permission. The Posse Comitatus Act is a big deal. It keeps the military out of everyday law enforcement. This is important for maintaining the balance of power. The debate in Los Angeles shows how complex this issue can be. It also highlights the tension between federal and state authorities. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future deployments. It could also affect how the Posse Comitatus Act is interpreted.