AG Gentner Drummond backs Trump’s National Guard deployment in California protests

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is helping lead a multistate coalition defending former President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to ongoing protests tied to immigration enforcement.

Drummond joined several other Republican attorneys general in filing a legal brief Wednesday, arguing the deployment is constitutional and urgently needed to restore order.

Legal Justification for Troop Deployment

Drummond and his fellow attorneys general argue that the National Guard's presence is essential to protect federal officers and uphold immigration laws. The group says the federal government has both the authority and obligation to act when state and local leaders fail to contain unrest.

“President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard is not only responsible and constitutional, it is fully necessary to enforce the law and ensure public safety,” Drummond said in a statement released with the filing.

What Prompted the Legal Brief?

The amicus brief claims that violent protests in Los Angeles have overwhelmed law enforcement, citing injured officers, damaged property, and delayed responses from local police. The unrest stems from federal immigration raids that have sparked backlash in California and other states.

Attorneys general from Iowa and South Carolina co-led the brief, with signatories from across the Midwest, South, and even Alaska and West Virginia.

Federal vs. State Power: What’s at Stake

The legal filing comes ahead of a major court decision. A federal judge is preparing to hear arguments from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is asking the court to block the troop deployment. Newsom contends the state is capable of managing the protests without federal interference.

The political implications are significant: The case could set a precedent for how far a president can go in overriding state objections to federal intervention.

Broader National Impact

The immigration-related protests have not been limited to California. ICE has responded by deploying tactical units to five major cities, including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Additional protests are planned nationwide this weekend, according to law enforcement agencies.

Republican attorneys general emphasized that their support for Trump’s actions extends beyond California.

“In California, we’re seeing the results of leadership that excuses lawlessness and undermines law enforcement,” the coalition wrote. “When local and state officials won’t act, the federal government must.”

What Happens Next

The federal judge’s ruling on Newsom’s request to halt the deployment is expected soon. Until then, National Guard troops remain active in Los Angeles, and the political and legal debate continues to escalate.