A National Guard Response to LA Unrest
The Insurrection Act: Can President Trump Deploy the National Guard in LA?
The streets of Los Angeles are still reeling from the aftermath of protests against ICE following immigration raids. Amidst the chaos, Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, has announced plans to deploy the National Guard to the city. But who has the authority to do so, and what does this mean for the future of law enforcement in LA?
The Authority to Deploy the National Guard
The answer
A History of Federal Intervention
The Insurrection Act has been invoked in times of crisis before. In 1992, for example, President George H.W. Bush deployed federal troops to Los Angeles during the riots that followed the Rodney King beating. This was a significant moment in American history, as it marked one of the first times the government had used force to quell domestic unrest.
The Governor’s Pushback
California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed back against Homan’s remarks, calling them “purposefully inflammatory.” The governor argues that LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice and that there is no unmet need. He also warns that federalizing the National Guard will erode public trust.
The Question Remains: Can President Trump Deploy the National Guard?
So who has the authority to deploy the National Guard in this situation? The answer lies with Governor Newsom, who has primary authority over the California National Guard under state active duty or Title 32 status. However, if President Trump were to invoke the Insurrection Act, it’s unclear whether Newsom would be able to stop him.
The Implications
As tensions continue to rise in Los Angeles, one question lingers: what does this mean for the future of law enforcement in the city? Will the deployment of federalized National Guard units or federal troops quell the unrest, or will it further exacerbate the situation? Only time will tell.