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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Judge asks if troops in Los Angeles are violating the Posse Comitatus Act

Protesters stand off against California National Guard soldiers at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles during a "No Kings" protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Protesters stand off against California National Guard soldiers at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles during a "No Kings" protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California’s challenge of the Trump administration’s military deployment in Los Angeles returned to a federal courtroom in San Francisco on Friday for a brief hearing after an appeals court handed President Donald Trump a key procedural win.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer put off issuing any additional rulings and instead asked for briefings from both sides by noon Monday on whether the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits troops from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil, is being violated in Los Angeles.

The hearing happened the day after the 9th Circuit appellate panel allowed the president to keep control of National Guard troops he deployed in response to protests over immigration raids.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in his complaint that “violation of the Posse Comitatus Act is imminent, if not already underway” but Breyer last week postponed considering that allegation.

Vice President JD Vance, a Marine veteran, traveled to Los Angeles on Friday and met with troops, including U.S. Marines who have been deployed to protect federal buildings.