The President’s characterization of peaceful protest as “a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States” was the anticipated next step in criminalization of dissent. But making that mischaracterization is still deeply concerning. And acting upon that as has begun to happen in Los Angeles now as National Guard troops begin deployment.

Infographic

This is an InfoGraphic I created today regarding presidential authority and deployment of the National Guard. Click on the image below or this link to see the complete InfoGraphic: https://g.co/gemini/share/0ca97c339bee

https://g.co/gemini/share/0ca97c339bee

Timeline

Detailed Timeline of Events:

• June 6, 2025: Governor Gavin Newsom highlights California’s status as a “donor state,” contributing significantly more to the federal government than it receives. This is mentioned in the context of potential federal action against the state.
• June 7, 2025: ICE authorities conduct crackdowns in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of 44 people. Protests against these actions begin in the Los Angeles County city of Paramount. Police use tear gas on anti-ICE protesters, escalating the situation.
• June 8, 2025 (Late on June 7th local time): Protests in Los Angeles County continue for a second consecutive day and turn violent. Federal immigration agents in riot gear confront hundreds of protesters.
• June 8, 2025 (Late Saturday night): President Donald Trump signs a Presidential Memorandum ordering the federalization of 2,000 members of the California National Guard and their deployment to Los Angeles County to support Department of Homeland Security (ICE) activities. This is done under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, not the Insurrection Act. The stated purpose is for “military protective activities” to ensure the safety of federal personnel and property. This action is taken without a request from or against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
• June 8, 2025 (Shortly before 4 a.m. local time): Members of the California National Guard begin arriving in Downtown Los Angeles. Some vehicles are seen in front of the Hall of Justice, near City Hall. These are reported as soldiers from the California National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
• June 8, 2025 (Midnight, presumably transitioning from June 7th to 8th): The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issues a dispersal order to protesters. Multiple people who reenter the ordered area are detained and will be arrested and booked for failing to disperse.
• June 8, 2025 (Early morning): News of President Trump’s order and the National Guard deployment draws sharp reactions.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom calls the federal government’s move to take over the California National Guard and deploy troops unnecessary, stating it’s for “spectacle” rather than a lack of law enforcement. He describes the potential deployment of active-duty Marines as “deranged behavior.”
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, mentioned as Donald Trump’s hardline defense secretary, publicly floats the idea of deploying active-duty Marines to Los Angeles if violence continues, stating they are on “high alert.” He defends the National Guard deployment as “real leadership” and necessary.
• Robert Reich, Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, labels Trump’s action as “extreme” and a “dictatorial move,” urging resistance but nonviolence.
• Legal experts, including Robert Patillo, a civil and human rights lawyer, and Steve Vladeck, express concerns and note the potential for legal challenges, highlighting the historical precedent of governors requesting federal assistance. Vladeck explains that the federalization under 10 U.S.C. § 12406 is not as drastic as invoking the Insurrection Act, limiting the Guard’s role to protective activities.
• Juliette Kayyem, CNN senior national security analyst, describes the federalization as unprecedented in modern history, noting the historical contexts for such actions (overwhelmed states or defiance of court orders) are not present here. She points out the large number of federalized troops compared to crises like Hurricane Katrina.
• Republicans are reported to be lining up to back Trump’s deployment, noting it’s the first time since 1965 a president has activated troops over the wishes of local officials (referencing President Lyndon B. Johnson’s action in Selma, Alabama).
• June 8, 2025 (Ongoing): Discussions and analysis continue regarding the legality and implications of the federalization of the National Guard without the governor’s consent, the scope of authority under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, and the potential for further escalation, including the invocation of the Insurrection Act. The deployment is seen by some as a test or precursor to more aggressive actions.

Sources

Some sources provided their URL within the text, while others appear to be article excerpts or transcripts provided directly. The table includes the provided links or notes the apparent origin based on the text.