Mayor Lee Statement on Ninth Circuit Ruling Restoring California National Guard to State Control

"I welcome the Ninth Circuit decision restoring control of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom. This ruling reaffirms a fundamental constitutional principle: the National Guard is not a political tool, and the extraordinary step of federalizing state troops must meet an extraordinarily high legal bar - one that was not met here.

Oakland believes in public safety that respects civil liberties, local leadership, and the rule of law, and we will continue to protect Oakland's most vulnerable residents. The Ninth Circuit's decision is a clear reminder that no one, not even a president is above the law."

- Mayor Barbara Lee