Federal Action in California Is Within the Law—and It’s Time

California’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, are deflecting responsibility for recent violence and unrest in Los Angeles. They argue that the Trump administration's decision to federalize the National Guard lacks justification and violates constitutional principles. This assertion is not only misguided but undermines the federal government's essential role in law enforcement. The reality is evident: the federal government must allocate resources to California for legitimate immigration enforcement. Activists in Los Angeles have attacked federal immigration agents, throwing items and obstructing operations, with multiple arrests reported for violent actions. The Constitution grants the federal government clear authority over immigration regulations, and when local authorities fail to maintain order, federal intervention becomes necessary. Newsom’s claims about state sovereignty ignore this fact. Rather than mischaracterizing lawlessness as mere protest, California’s leaders must acknowledge the dire need for cooperation with federal law enforcement to maintain public safety and order.