In a landmark ruling today, Judge Charles Breyer of the Northern District of California issued an injunction preventing former President Donald Trump from continuing the military occupation of Los Angeles. The deployment, which included National Guard and Marine units, was deemed a clear violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal statute that limits the powers of the federal government in using military personnel to enforce domestic policies.

The Posse Comitatus Act, established in 1878, was designed to prevent the use of military forces in civilian law enforcement roles. Judge Breyer's decisive 52-page opinion stated, “Congress spoke clearly when it passed the Act, prohibiting the use of the U.S. military to execute domestic law. Defendants—President Trump, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and the Department of Defense—nonetheless deployed troops to Los Angeles, ostensibly to quell a non-existent rebellion and enforce federal immigration laws.”

The ruling highlighted how the administration's actions not only disregarded legal constraints but also posed threats to civil liberties by using military force for crowd control and traffic blockades, often with soldiers' identities obscured by protective armor.

The decision also revealed that Los Angeles was potentially just the beginning, with indications that similar military interventions could be planned for other cities like Washington, D.C., and possibly Chicago. “This sets a dangerous precedent of a national police force under the direct command of the President,” Judge Breyer wrote.

Despite the gravity of the ruling, Breyer has stayed his order for 10 days, providing the federal government a window to appeal—a likelihood given the administration's previous actions and statements.

The outcome of this case stands as a significant checkpoint in the ongoing tension between federal authority and state rights, as well as the protection of civil liberties under the U.S. Constitution. Legal experts and civil rights advocates are closely monitoring the situation, recognizing its implications for the balance of power and the rule of law in the United States.

Readers interested in viewing the full decision can access it through the provided link: [Download Court Decision](https://abovethelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/09/gov.uscourts.cand_.450934.176.0_1.pdf).

The unfolding developments in this case will be crucial in determining the extent of executive power in deploying military forces domestically, and whether the administration will heed the legal limitations set forth by the judiciary.