Newsom, Bonta vow suit over National Guard deployment

Spread the love

Editor’s note: This story has been updated since its initial publication.

Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed concerns that President Donald Trump is sending federal agents to California, saying that Trump’s actions follow an “absolutely predictable” pattern that has the ultimate aim of suppressing free speech and rigging the election.

“It’s a script that’s been written for centuries. It’s the authoritarian playbook,” Newsom said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Stockton. “You dial it up around election time. You dial it up around November. You do it a few weeks before. You dial it up in more and more cities. You suppress the vote.”

The governor’s remarks came a day after he and California Attorney General Rob Bonta threatened to sue the Trump administration if Trump deploys National Guard troops to San Francisco.

Newsom said any National Guard deployment to San Francisco, which Trump has said in recent days he would do, would be met with an immediate lawsuit.

“We’re a nation of laws and accountability — not a nation that turns a blind eye to abuse of power,” Newsom said in a news release Tuesday. “The notion that the federal government can deploy troops into our cities with no justification grounded in reality, no oversight, no accountability, no respect for state sovereignty — it’s a direct assault on the rule of law.”

Bonta added that the deployment of National Guard troops wouldn’t be in response to a protest, a riot or social unrest, but rather what Bonta characterized as Trump’s effort to use the National Guard as his own personal army.

“This is outrageous, indefensible – and most importantly illegal,” Bonta said in the same press release. “San Francisco may be the President’s latest target, but California is no stranger to the President’s political games and unconstitutional tactics. We’re ready to go to court immediately if the President follows through on this latest illegal plan.”

Trump previously invoked a little-used federal law in June to federalize part of California’s National Guard, using 4,000 members of the state’s National Guard in a civilian law enforcement role in Los Angeles and other communities in Southern California following immigration-related protests and riots.

The announcement comes just two days after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit issued a ruling lifting a temporary restraining order keeping National Guard troops out of the city of Portland, Ore. The 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over the entire West Coast, has courthouses in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Pasadena.

“President Trump’s September 28 deployment falls within the history and tradition of the early Militia Acts,” read the ruling. “Individuals within a group of about 200 people have engaged in violent activity in opposition to a single set of laws that carry out federal immigration enforcement.”

The ruling, which was reported on previously by The Center Square, went on to state that protesters have assaulted federal officers in the city of Portland instead of voting for their desired changes.

“As the Secretary said on Monday, DHS is targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens—including murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists—in cities such as Portland, Chicago, Memphis and San Francisco,” read a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. “As it does every day, DHS law enforcement will enforce the laws of our nation.”

San Francisco and Los Angeles members of the California Senate and Assembly were unavailable to talk to The Center Square Wednesday afternoon. Similarly, city and county officials in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the National Guard and experts at the Project on Government Oversight were unavailable for comment.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey City Council Meeting Briefs

Freedom Fest Planning Underway: Casey's Freedom Fest is scheduled for July 4-5 with events in Fairview Park. Friday's schedule includes an antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and Saturday features...
City Council Part 1

City Council Meeting Video Part 1

https://youtu.be/bWEJPtq8Qh0?si=YzFeP3sk_tT3x111
City Council Part 2

City Council Meeting Video Part 2

https://youtu.be/6X23vHI3_D4?si=dXRZcsNn0oGW6wWN
Casey Westfield Warriors.3

Casey-Westfield Dominates Dakota 10-0 Behind Goble’s Complete Game Shutout

Casey-Westfield bounced back from a heartbreaking semifinal loss with a dominant 10-0 third-place victory over Dakota June 7th, ending their exceptional season on a high note behind Ava Goble's complete...

About Casey Local

Community-Focused & Engaging About Casey Local: Keeping Casey Informed, Connected & Collaborative! Hello, Casey! Casey Local is your dedicated local news and information source, built to bring our community closer together...

About Us!

About Casey's Big Things: Your Pocket Guide to Casey! Welcome to Casey, Illinois, the small town with BIG surprises! We created Casey's Big Things to be your ultimate companion as you explore...
Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey Approves Major Park Recreation Project, Hires Firm to Find New Utilities Chief

The Casey City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive park recreation project costing up to $339,041.78 at Monday's meeting, moving forward with improvements that will enhance the city's recreational facilities. City...
Casey Council Meeting.1

Casey in Action Secures $40,000 Grant for Park Walking Path

Casey in Action received a $40,000 grant from the Lumpkin Foundation to support the second phase of a walking path project in the city park, representatives told the City Council...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

Casey Council Briefs

Economic Development Initiatives: The Economic Development Committee met May 8 to discuss several initiatives including a Tourism Director position, Freedom Fest planning, a Business District Grant program, and participation in...
Casey Westfield Warriors.2

Warriors Advance to Face Red Devils on 14-Game Win Streak

The Casey-Westfield Warriors will face the Sesser-Valier/Waltonville Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. Monday, riding a 14-game winning streak into the playoff matchup. Casey-Westfield advanced with a 1-0 shutout victory over...
Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey City Council Awards Sidewalk Contract, Approves Utility Rate Increases

The Casey City Council unanimously approved awarding a $62,502 sidewalk construction contract to Wallace Concrete at Monday's meeting, accepting the low bid from among several proposals reviewed by city staff....
Casey Council Meeting.1

Utilities Chief Announces December Retirement; Police Department Adds Officer

Casey Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs announced at Monday's city council meeting that he will retire on December 31, 2025, ending his tenure overseeing the city's water, sewer, and electric operations....
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey Council Meeting Briefs

July 4th Planning Begins: City Clerk Jeremy Mumford reminded the council that planning for the 4th of July celebration needs to begin soon. Mayor Mike Nichols asked the Downtown Improvement/Festivals...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Approves Major Technology Upgrades, Facility Improvements

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved significant technology and facility upgrades totaling more than $76,000 during Monday's meeting, while also addressing multiple personnel changes as the district prepares for summer construction...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across multiple areas while participating in unique educational experiences and community service initiatives, according to administrator reports from Monday's board meeting. High school students received...