Key Takeaways
• On June 7, 2025, Trump federalized California’s National Guard to protect federal buildings amid rising LA unrest.
• Governor Newsom sued Trump, claiming illegal federalization impacts all states and threatens state National Guard control.
• ICE raids sparked protests in Los Angeles, escalating violence despite deployment of federalized National Guard troops.
The conflict between President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom has reached a new level, drawing national attention and raising serious questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states. At the center of this crisis is the federalization of California’s National Guard and the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. The events unfolding in June 2025 have not only sparked legal battles but have also left many immigrants, families, and communities uncertain about their rights and safety.
What Happened: The Lead-Up to the Crisis
On June 9, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines by stating he would support the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom. This came after days of rising tension between the White House and California officials over how to handle protests and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. When asked by reporters if border czar Tom Homan should arrest Newsom, Trump replied, “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity.” He added, “I like Gavin Newsom, he’s a nice guy, but he’s grossly incompetent.”
Governor Newsom quickly responded, announcing that California would file a lawsuit against President Trump and the Department of Defense. Newsom argued that the president’s move to take control of the California National Guard was illegal. He warned that the order Trump signed could allow the federal government to take over National Guard units in any state, not just California. Newsom stated on social media, “This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted. He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. The order he signed doesn’t just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing. We’re suing him.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta also held a news conference to outline the state’s legal response, showing that California’s leaders are united in their opposition to the federal actions.
Timeline of Events: How the Situation Escalated
To understand the current crisis, it’s important to look at the sequence of events that led to this point:
- Friday night (June 6, 2025): President Trump had a tense phone call with Governor Newsom. Trump told Newsom to “Get the police in gear” after seeing evidence of looting and injured federal law enforcement officers in Los Angeles.
- Saturday evening (June 7, 2025): After watching the situation for 24 hours and deciding it had gotten worse, Trump ordered the federalization of the California National Guard. The White House described this as a “bold action” to protect federal buildings, detention centers, and personnel.
- Sunday (June 8, 2025): Despite the National Guard’s deployment, violence escalated. Protesters in Los Angeles County set police cars on fire and threw concrete at officers. The unrest was most severe on this day.
- Monday (June 9, 2025): Trump publicly supported the idea of arresting Newsom, while Newsom announced legal action against the Trump administration.
The Protests: What Sparked the Unrest?
The protests began in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and operations in Los Angeles. Many people in the city were already upset about federal immigration enforcement, and the situation quickly became tense. What started as mostly peaceful demonstrations on Friday and Saturday turned chaotic by Sunday. Protesters blocked a freeway, set self-driving cars on fire, and clashed with police.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the violence as “isolated to a few streets” in downtown Los Angeles. She admitted that crimes and vandalism had occurred but insisted that the unrest was not as widespread as it appeared on the news.
Legal and Constitutional Questions
Presidential Power and the National Guard
The president has the authority to “federalize” a state’s National Guard in certain situations. This means the president can take control of the Guard and use it for federal purposes, such as protecting federal buildings or restoring order. However, this power is rarely used and is usually reserved for extreme cases.
The Trump administration argued that federalizing the California National Guard was necessary to protect federal property and personnel. The White House said the president was “wisely keeping all options on the table,” including possibly using the Insurrection Act. The Insurrection Act is a law that allows the president to use the military to help enforce laws or restore order during serious unrest. Normally, the Posse Comitatus Act prevents the military from acting as police within the United States 🇺🇸, but the Insurrection Act is an exception.
Can a Governor Be Arrested?
The idea of arresting a sitting governor is extremely rare and controversial. Border czar Tom Homan had previously suggested that state leaders, including Newsom, could be arrested for “obstructive” behavior if they blocked federal immigration enforcement. When asked about this, Homan said there had been “no discussion of arresting Newsom” within the administration but added that “no one is above the law.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “It is a basic principle in this country that if you break the law, you will face a consequence for that. So if the governor obstructs federal enforcement, or breaks federal laws, then he is subjecting himself to arrest.”
Immigration Enforcement: The Heart of the Dispute
At the center of this conflict is the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. The Trump administration has described Los Angeles as “completely overrun by illegal alien criminals that pose a public safety risk and need to be removed from the city.” Federal officials have criticized local leaders for not allowing local police to work with federal immigration authorities.
California is known as a “sanctuary” state, which means it limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This has led to repeated clashes between state and federal officials. The recent ICE raids in Los Angeles have brought these tensions to a boiling point.
Many personal stories have emerged from the enforcement actions. For example, there have been reports of a high school graduate being detained by ICE, which has caused fear and anger in immigrant communities.
Security Measures and Broader Impact
The crisis in California has led to increased security measures in other parts of the country. In Washington D.C., temporary security fencing was put up around the White House on Monday morning. This suggests that officials are worried the protests could spread beyond California.
The order signed by President Trump to federalize the National Guard has implications for other states as well. Governor Newsom warned that the order “doesn’t just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing.” This raises concerns about the federal government’s power to take control of state National Guard units across the country.
Different Perspectives: Trump Administration vs. California Leaders
Trump Administration’s View
President Trump and his team argue that their actions are necessary to maintain law and order and to enforce federal immigration laws. Trump called the decision to send the National Guard “great” for dealing with “violent, instigated riots in California.” The White House said the deployment was meant to deter violence, although they admitted that the worst violence happened after the Guard arrived.
California’s Response
Governor Gavin Newsom and other California leaders see the federalization of the National Guard as an illegal overreach of presidential power. They are challenging the move in court. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has said the National Guard isn’t needed and that the unrest is limited to a small area, even though it looks “horrible” on TV.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Communities?
The ongoing conflict has left many immigrants and their families feeling anxious and uncertain. The increased presence of federal law enforcement and the National Guard in Los Angeles has made some people afraid to go outside or seek help if they need it. There are concerns that more aggressive immigration enforcement could lead to more families being separated.
Employers, schools, and community organizations are also worried about the impact of the unrest and the legal battle between the state and federal government. Some fear that the situation could get worse if either side takes more drastic action.
Legal Battle: What Happens Next?
As of June 9, 2025, California’s lawsuit against President Trump and the Department of Defense is just beginning. The case is expected to raise important questions about the limits of presidential power and the rights of states under the U.S. Constitution. Legal experts say the courts will have to decide whether the president acted within his authority when he federalized the National Guard and whether state officials can be arrested for opposing federal immigration enforcement.
The outcome of this legal fight could set a precedent for how similar conflicts are handled in the future. It could also affect how much power the federal government has over state National Guard units and immigration enforcement.
For more information about the National Guard and its role, readers can visit the official National Guard Bureau website.
What Should Immigrants and Residents Do Now?
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted news sources and official government websites.
- Know your rights: Immigrants should be aware of their legal rights during encounters with law enforcement or immigration officials. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations provide helpful resources.
- Seek legal help: If you or someone you know is affected by immigration enforcement, contact a qualified immigration attorney or a local legal aid organization.
- Stay calm and safe: Avoid areas where protests or unrest are happening, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Broader Implications for the United States 🇺🇸
This conflict between President Trump and Governor Newsom is about more than just one state or one issue. It highlights the ongoing debate over who has the final say in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining public order. The outcome could change the relationship between the federal government and the states for years to come.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in California is being closely watched by other states, legal experts, and immigrant communities across the country. The decisions made in the coming weeks could affect how immigration laws are enforced and how much power the president has to use the National Guard in the future.
Conclusion: What to Watch For
The legal battle between California and the Trump administration is just beginning, and the outcome is far from certain. Key things to watch include:
- Court decisions on the legality of federalizing the National Guard and the limits of presidential power.
- Possible escalation if either side takes more aggressive action, such as further arrests or expanded military involvement.
- Impact on immigrants and communities in California and beyond, especially if immigration enforcement becomes more aggressive.
For now, the best advice for those affected is to stay informed, know your rights, and seek help if needed. The situation is changing quickly, and the decisions made in the coming days and weeks will have a lasting impact on immigration policy and the balance of power in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
National Guard → State military forces that can be federalized by the president for national emergencies or law enforcement.
Federalization → The process where the federal government assumes control over state National Guard units or resources.
Insurrection Act → A law allowing the president to deploy military forces domestically to suppress unrest or enforce laws.
Posse Comitatus Act → A law limiting the use of the military for domestic law enforcement unless authorized by Congress.
Sanctuary State → A state limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, tensions peaked as Trump federalized California’s National Guard amid immigration protests. Newsom sued, challenging presidential power and immigration enforcement. This clash revealed deep divisions over federal authority, state rights, and immigrant protections in the U.S., highlighting a potentially landmark legal battle with national implications.
— By VisaVerge.com
