Trump Is Deploying the Military on Americans

Let’s Call This What It Is: Fascism. And let's organize effectively to counter this extremism

In yet another escalation of authoritarianism, Donald Trump has now begun deploying the National Guard to "settle unrest" caused by what he claims are "violent protests." But here’s the truth: the “unrest” he’s citing is nothing more than ordinary people peacefully protesting illegal ICE raids. That’s not conjecture. It’s fact—admitted to by both the Los Angeles Police Department and the U.S. Department of Justice. And unless we organize nationally across the political spectrum, including active duty military members, we invite a total dismantling of our republic. Let’s Address This.

Residents of Los Angeles protest illegal ICE raids on June 7.

While you see images of citizens allegedly creating violence, remember that any response from the American people here is just that — a reaction. A reaction to ICE violating the U.S. Constitution. In a March memo, the DOJ instructed ICE officers to proceed with raids even when it was “impracticable” to obtain a signed warrant—including violating the sanctity of people’s homes without a warrant. Their own words:

Given the dynamic nature of enforcement operations, officers in the field are authorized to apprehend aliens upon a reasonable belief that the alien meets all four requirements to be validated as an alien enemy. This authority includes entering an alien enemy's residence to make an AEA apprehension where circumstances render it impracticable to first obtain a signed notice and warrant of apprehension and removal.

Let’s be crystal clear: this is unconstitutional. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects against unlawful searches and seizures. ICE raids without a judicial warrant are illegal. And deploying the U.S. military to enforce those illegal raids is not just unconstitutional—it is tyrannical. Yet Trump is doing both anyway. Therefore, here’s what every member of the armed forces needs to know.

DOJ Memo from Pam Bondi to ICE, instructing ICE to violate the US Constitution to arrest innocent people.

A Note to U.S. Armed Forces

I say this as a human rights lawyer and a citizen of this republic: you have sworn an oath to the Constitution, not to a man. Articles 90 and 94 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) prohibit the execution of unlawful orders. So if anyone in the chain of command tries to gaslight you into storming civilian neighborhoods in defense of an illegal policy, remember: “I was just following orders” was not a valid defense at Nuremberg, and it will not be a valid defense here either.

This is critical, especially as Trump promises to escalate military deployment on Americans. Last November I wrote that President Biden must act to secure the civil service from political interference by updating and strengthening the Posse Comitatus Act (“PCA”). Most people have never heard of this piece of legislation because it has not been relevant in 150 years beyond combatting drug trafficking. But sadly, it will be critical to prevent Trumpian fascism from expanding use of the PCA—especially as he promises to deploy the military to quell civil and peaceful protest. As the Department of Justice explains:

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which removed the military from regular civil law enforcement, was enacted in response to the abuses resulting from the extensive use of the army in civil law enforcement during the Civil War and the Reconstruction.

I called for Biden to pass additional restrictions, however possible, to prevent the military from being misused, and work with the Pentagon to ensure the military cannot be turned into a personal security force by future administrations. Unfortunately, those changes were never made. Therefore, it is that much more critical now that we continue to pressure elected leadership to do everything in their power to oppose the deployment of the U.S. military on the American people. This is especially crucial as known alcoholic and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has threatened to deploy U.S. Marines on the American people.

So, if you are in the armed forces and want to know whether what you are being asked to do is legal, here’s a tip: if it would’ve been considered a war crime in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, or WWII, it is a war crime here. Supporting those who order you to violate our Constitution—yes, that includes Donald Trump—is not loyalty. It is indefensible and contrary to your oath. And if you are unsure on how to proceed, then please utilize the resources at your disposal by visiting the GI Rights Hotline or by calling 1-877-447-4487 for free and confidential guidance.

Even the LAPD Knows ICE Is the Problem

Finally, let us not not ignore how brazen this is. Even the LAPD, not exactly a bastion of progressive law enforcement, has admitted that the protesters were peaceful and that ICE provoked the confrontation. When even the LAPD is pointing fingers at ICE, you know things are dire. Here’s the press release issued by the LAPD in response to yesterday’s events:

LAPD Statement on what they acknowledge were “Peaceful Protests” on June 7.

So what we’re witnessing is not the military quelling violence. It is the military being used as a tool of political repression. And while the spectacle unfolds on our screens—cue the media coverage of “clashes” and “unrest”—Trump continues with his sleight-of-hand distractions. And what is he distracting us from?

• A healthcare bill that will strip coverage from 11 million people

• A policy that will cause 51,000 preventable deaths per year, per Yale research

• A tax scheme that will funnel more billions into the pockets of billionaires

• A claim from Musk that Trump is in the Epstein files (that Trump won’t release)

• An American-made complicity in genocide in Gaza, as the Freedom Flotilla with Greta Thunberg nears a violent blockade

• Outbreaks of measles, salmonella, and whooping cough—caused by deregulated food and collapsed public health oversight

• A coordinated campaign to build a dystopian “Christian” nationalist regime

This is not theory. This is the present moment in the United States.

Fascism Isn’t Coming. It’s Here.

Let me say it plainly: fascism isn’t on the way—it has arrived. It wears the mask of national security, the armor of “law and order,” and the flag of patriotism wrapped in a cross, but at its core, it is a rotting, gaslighting, anti-democratic force that seeks to crush dissent, criminalize compassion, and erase the constitutional protections that define our Republic.

So what do we do?

We organize, we educate, and yes—we prepare.

• Everyone: Stock up on non-perishable food and clean water. Not because fear should paralyze us, but because readiness empowers us.

• Immigrants: Ensure your loved ones know where you are at all times. If you are undocumented, ensure your immigration attorney knows your location at all times.

• Everyone: Call your members of Congress—every day if you have to. Demand they defend the Constitution, block this healthcare atrocity, and stop the illegal deployment of troops on our own streets.

• Veterans: Join organizations like Common Defense, who are working relentlessly and nationally to uphold justice, peace, and the United States Constitution.

• Everyone: Invest in immigration justice orgs, independent media, and activists who aren’t bought and sold by corporate cash.

• Military Servicemembers: Visit the GI Rights Hotline online or by calling 1-877-447-4487 for free and confidential guidance on conscientious objection

• Everyone: Vote, organize, and run for office yourself.

This is why I do this work. This is why I write. I am an American Muslim, an immigrant, and a human rights lawyer—and I will not sit quietly as my nation of citizenship descends into fascism. Finally, if you believe in this work—if you believe in truth, dignity, and justice—I need your support. Subscribe to Let’s Address This, share this article, and help us elevate the truth above the noise. Because together, we still have power. And we must use it before it’s too late.