In a rare override of state authority, US President Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, despite strong objections from Governor Gavin Newsom.

The deployment follows a series of federal immigration raids that resulted in 44 arrests in LA, part of a broader national campaign. Citing Title 10 of the U.S. Code, Trump framed the action as necessary to protect federal infrastructure and personnel.

The move has triggered renewed scrutiny of executive power, state-federal tensions, and the appropriate use of military force in civil contexts.

Was it justified—or a federal overstep? Is this law and order, or presidential overreach?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University to find out.