A landmark decision was handed down by Judge Charles Breyer of the Northern District of California on Tuesday, stating that President Donald Trump's use of military forces for law enforcement activities in Los Angeles is illegal under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. This act generally bars military personnel from performing domestic law enforcement duties unless expressly authorized by the Constitution or an act of Congress.

The controversy began in June when President Trump ordered military personnel to Los Angeles in an effort to suppress protests stemming from his administration's stringent immigration policies. Subsequently, California Governor Gavin Newsom, backed by the State of California, filed a lawsuit against Trump and the Department of Defense. They contested the federalization of thousands of California National Guard members without the state governor's consent, a move they claimed was not only unauthorized but also a breach of statutory procedures.

Judge Breyer’s ruling aligns with the plaintiff's arguments, confirming that the deployment since June 7 directly contravened federal law. The judge’s orders now prevent the administration from using the National Guard or any military forces for executing domestic laws in California, encompassing activities such as arrests, crowd control, and other law enforcement actions, unless a valid constitutional or statutory exception is met.

This ruling comes amidst President Trump’s broader attempts to assert federal control over local law enforcement in various U.S. cities, including Washington, DC, Chicago, and Baltimore. His actions have sparked a fierce debate over federal overreach and the appropriate use of military forces within U.S. borders.

Governor Newsom praised the court's decision, emphasizing the importance of constitutional limits on presidential powers and state sovereignty. "Today, the court sided with democracy and the Constitution. No president is a king—not even Trump," Newsom stated. He highlighted the illegality of Trump’s attempts to create what he termed a “national police force.”

The injunction is on hold until September 12, giving the Trump administration a window to appeal the decision. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this appeal could significantly impact the administration's future actions regarding domestic use of military power and may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled moving forward.

The ruling not only underscores the ongoing legal battles between state and federal powers but also sets a significant judicial check on the extent to which the executive branch can use the military within United States borders. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect the administration’s policies and the broader landscape of U.S. civil liberties.