Does US law allow Trump to send troops to quell protests?

California has sued administration, says deployment is 'unlawful'

California National Guard troops and police officers stand guard in Los Angeles on June 9 as people attend a rally against federal immigration sweeps. REUTERS/David Ryder © Reuters

June 10, 2025 09:11 JST

(Reuters) -- President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to California after days of protests by hundreds of demonstrators against immigration raids, saying the protests interfered with federal law enforcement and framing them as a possible "form of rebellion" against the authority of the U.S. government. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday mobilized 700 active duty Marines as part of the government's response to the protests.