"Defendants' unlawful federalization of 4,000 California National Guard members, over the repeated objections of Governor Newsom, diverts necessary state resources. See Eck Dec. ¶ 32 (noting the California Military Department has "has identified and committed 4,600 service members to achieve state specific missions, which is 38% of the available strength"); id. ¶ 33 ("In 2025, there have already been 3,332 services members activated for 89,061 duty days, indicating the state will need every available service member to meet the State's operational needs.")."
"Most members of the California National Guard serve in a reserve capacity, meaning they work in civilian roles when not serving as part-time militia forces, often in specialized positions. Eck Dec. ¶¶ 21, 37. As one pertinent example, 2,500 California National Guard members were activated in response to some of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles County that occurred in early January 2025. Eck Dec. ¶¶ 35-36."
Donald Trump federalized approximately 4,000 California National Guard members over Governor Gavin Newsom's objections, prompting an emergency Temporary Restraining Order. The federalization diverts critical state resources, with the California Military Department identifying 4,600 service members committed to state missions (38% of available strength) and reporting 3,332 activated for 89,061 duty days in 2025. Most Guard members serve in reserve civilian roles and fill specialized positions. About 2,500 members were activated for destructive Los Angeles County fires in early January 2025. The federalized force includes elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Taskforce Rattlesnake, which support fire combat and counterdrug efforts, including fentanyl interdiction.
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