Federal Judge Rules Trump's National Guard Deployment at LA Immigration Protests Unlawful

A federal judge has delivered a significant ruling, declaring that former President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to blockade federal courthouses during Los Angeles immigration protests in 2020 was illegal. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge John Walter, marks a victory for civil liberties advocates and reinforces constitutional protections for public assembly.

The lawsuit, initiated by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California on behalf of Black Lives Matter-LA, challenged the use of military personnel to restrict access to the federal courthouses.

These protests, which took place amid a nationwide reckoning on racial injustice and intense debate over immigration policies, saw demonstrators gather to voice their dissent.

During the tumultuous period, National Guard troops, often alongside federal agents, were observed actively blocking building entrances and public sidewalks.

Reports and legal filings indicated instances where force, including the deployment of rubber bullets and tear gas, was used against protesters.

Judge Walter’s ruling found that these actions constituted a violation of two fundamental legal principles. Firstly, he determined that the deployments infringed upon the First Amendment rights of protesters, specifically their freedom of speech and right to peaceably assemble.

Secondly, the judge ruled that the use of the National Guard in this manner violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a crucial federal statute that largely prohibits the use of the federal military for domestic law enforcement purposes, except in specific, legally defined circumstances.

In light of these findings, Judge Walter issued a permanent injunction, preventing future similar deployments.

The government had argued that the actions were necessary to ensure the security of federal property and personnel. However, the court found that these security concerns did not override the constitutional rights of the protestors nor the strict limitations on military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

The ACLU Foundation of Southern California lauded the ruling as a monumental win for democratic principles and the right to protest without undue military interference.

This decision establishes an important precedent, affirming the boundaries between military authority and the constitutional freedoms of citizens, particularly in the context of peaceful dissent.