Press Release: 6/13/2025

AG Campbell Joins 22 States In Opposing President Trump's Military Deployment In California

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

6/12/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary

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Call Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543

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Email Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at Sabrina.Zafar2@mass.gov

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has filed an amicus brief with leaders from 22 states to support California’s request for a court order blocking the president’s unlawful federalization and deployment of the state’s National Guard. 

 “The unlawful deployment of armed forces under the guise of public safety to suppress protests, invoke fear, and silence dissent against the President’s cruel policies is dangerous, and every resident should be concerned,” said AG Campbell. “I stand firmly with California in resisting the President’s authoritarian fear tactics and blatant abuse of power, which jeopardize the rights of all residents, including those in Massachusetts.” 

The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority. 

“By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk,” the brief reads. 

The President’s memo federalizing the Guard does not restrict these actions to just Los Angeles, California, or any specific U.S. region. Instead, it is an unlimited claim of presidential authority to deploy the National Guards of any state for the next 60 days. The states have an interest in standing up against this unnecessary and legally unjustified military call-up. 

The states also have an interest in ensuring their National Guards are available to perform the essential services they provide on an ongoing basis. They provide critical services responding to natural disasters, counter-drug operations, and cybersecurity support, among other daily contributions to public safety. This unlawful federalization pulls volunteer service members away from performing vital services, and states are not in a position to replace them. 

The president’s unlawful and unconstitutional use of the military has exacerbated safety issues and threatened constitutionally protected activity under the First Amendment. Every state has an interest in protecting their residents from these threats. 

Joining AG Campbell in filing the brief, which is led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, are the state attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also joined the brief.