Federal Judges Bar Troops from Immigration Arrests in California, Citing $120 Million Cost and Legal Violations
Federal judges have prohibited troops from assisting in immigration arrests in California, ruling the deployment violated federal law and cost taxpayers $120 million, with approximately 300 troops still stationed.
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Overview
- Federal judges have issued a ruling barring troops from aiding in immigration arrests within California, determining that the deployment violated existing federal law.
- The deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, initiated in response to protests and immigration raids, has incurred a substantial cost to taxpayers.
- This military deployment, which included expenses for food, shelter, payroll, and logistics, has cost taxpayers approximately $120 million.
- Governor Newsom previously filed a preliminary injunction to block President Trump's military deployment in Los Angeles, specifically until after the election.
- Despite the ruling, approximately 300 troops remain stationed in Los Angeles, continuing to contribute to the overall $120 million taxpayer expense.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the financial burden and perceived ineffectiveness of Trump's military deployments. They prioritize criticisms from Democratic officials like Gov. Newsom and Mayor Bowser, highlighting the "costly political theater" and "waste, fraud, and abuse." The narrative consistently underscores the deployments' controversial nature and lack of clear mission.
"Newsom’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles amounted to costly political theater, saddling taxpayers with a nearly $120 million bill."
Chicago TribuneArticles (3)
FAQ
Federal judges ruled that the deployment of troops in immigration arrests violated federal law, particularly because the National Guard performed law enforcement duties such as crowd control and traffic blockades.
The deployment has cost taxpayers approximately $120 million, with major expenses including $71 million for food and necessities, $37 million for payroll, around $4 million for logistics supplies, $3.5 million for travel, and $1.5 million for demobilization.
At the height of the deployment, over 4,200 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines were deployed. As of the latest reports, about 300 National Guard troops remain stationed in Los Angeles.
Governor Newsom filed a preliminary injunction to block President Trump's military deployment in Los Angeles, especially until after the election, and also sued to block the continuation of the deployment beyond early November.
The Trump administration appealed the federal judge’s ruling that found the deployment illegal and threatened to send National Guard troops to other cities like San Francisco. There has been no immediate official comment from the White House regarding the cost disclosures or legal challenges.
History
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