Noem Defies Court, Promises Ongoing Trump Immigration Raids/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ DHS Secretary Kristi Noem pledges to continue Trump-era immigration raids despite protests and legal opposition. A federal judge ruled the National Guard deployment to Los Angeles unconstitutional, but a 9th Circuit stay halted that order. Tensions rise over executive authority, military involvement, and upcoming weekend demonstrations.
Noem Defends Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Quick Looks
- Unwavering stance: Noem affirms raids will continue amid unrest.
- Court clash: Federal judge cites Tenth Amendment, but appeals court pauses order.
- Local resistance: Gov. Newsom decries federal overreach; Sen. Padilla protests press conference removal.
- Military presence: Over 2,000 Guard members and 700 Marines deployed; other states preparing similar measures.
Noem Defies Court, Promises Ongoing Trump Immigration Raids
Deep Look
Noem’s Resolve Amid Legal Showdown
In Los Angeles, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reaffirmed support for the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement despite legal hurdles and public unrest.
“This is only going to continue until we have peace on the streets of Los Angeles,” she declared amid protests—including one punctuated by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla interrupting her press event.
Courts Challenge Trump’s Military Move
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer issued a temporary restraining order ruling that President Trump’s deployment of California National Guard troops violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded statutory authority. The order, effective Friday, was later paused by a 9th Circuit appeals court, which will hear arguments Tuesday.
Judge Breyer determined the situation did not meet the legal definition of “rebellion” required for federalization—since state law enforcement remained functional. The ruling only applied to the National Guard—not the Marines, who haven’t hit the streets yet.
Gov. Newsom Pushback
California Governor Gavin Newsom hailed Breyer’s original ruling a “test of democracy,” stating the Guard would revert to former duties—including border security and wildfire prevention—before being federalized. After the appellate stay, he and Attorney General Rob Bonta reaffirmed their commitment to defending state authority.
Trump Defends Federal Action
President Trump applauded the appeals court decision on Truth Social, saying the military presence prevented Los Angeles from “burning to the ground”. The White House, via spokesperson Anna Kelly, argued the TRO endangered federal personnel and misrepresented the Commander-in-Chief’s rights.
Military Deployment and Public Response
As of mid-June, about 2,000 Guard soldiers are active in LA, with an equal number on the way—and 700 Marines on standby—to support ICE and protect federal sites. Guard troops can temporarily detain aggressors, but only law enforcement may process arrests.
Citywide protests continue under curfews, with multiple peaceful crowds clashing occasionally and around 470 arrested—mostly for curfew violations—and a few for more serious offenses.
National Reach
Noem emphasized LA’s operations serve as a “blueprint” for other cities. Republican governors in states like Texas are preparing Guard deployments, while Democratic governors have denounced federal troop use as a troubling executive overreach.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.