California sued the Trump administration Monday over its federalization of the state’s National Guard, alleging the move to deploy some 2,000 troops across the state without the approval of the governor or local law enforcement is unlawful.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the Trump administration’s move unnecessary and said it “trampled” California’s sovereignty.

If local law enforcement officials, who have been responding to wide-scale demonstrations since the federal government ramped up immigration enforcement efforts in the Los Angeles area, needed more help, then there were other steps to take to bring in that aid, Bonta said.

“We don’t take lightly to the president abusing his authority and unlawfully mobilizing California National Guard troops,” Bonta told reporters.

The White House said in a statement Monday that Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, “should thank (Trump) for restoring law and order.”

“Gavin Newsom should march back to his Attorney General’s Office to prosecute the anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) rioters who burned property and looted businesses in Los Angeles,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. “It’s pathetic that Newsom is more focused on saving face than protecting law enforcement and holding criminals accountable.”

At least 1,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to Los Angeles to respond to immigration enforcement protests, though Trump has said as many as 2,000 would be mobilized in California.

Bonta said it was “highly likely” the Trump administration would deploy the full 2,000 over the 60 days the Republican president’s order is in effect.

Trump has federalized part of California’s National Guard under what is known as Title 10 authority, which places him atop the chain of command rather than the governor. The order instructs National Guard troops to play a supporting role by protecting ICE officers as they enforce the law.

Trump has said that federalizing the troops was necessary to “address the lawlessness” in California.

“We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California,” Trump said in a Truth Social post Monday. “If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”

Trump said Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass should be thankful to the federal government for its handling of the California National Guard.

“We will always do what is needed to keep our citizens safe,” Trump added.

But Newsom has said the Trump administration’s move was “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.” That sentiment was echoed by Bonta, who is also a Democrat, in his news conference about the lawsuit.

“California local law enforcement are prepared, they’re trained,” Bonta said. “They know how to do their jobs and know when to call in backup,” including if it is necessary to call upon the state’s National Guard.

On Sunday, more than 1,000 demonstrators rallied in downtown Los Angeles, at times clashing with police and the National Guard. Protesters, at one point, shut down the 101 Freeway and set a half-dozen Waymo driverless vehicles and dumpsters on fire.

California National Guard troops with riot shields pushed protesters into the streets. Tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds were deployed by at least one agency.

The lawsuit, Bonta said, alleges that the federalization of the National Guard deprives California of resources it may need to protect its residents and infringes on Newsom’s role as commander in chief of the National Guard.

“President Trump’s order calling (for) federalized National Guard troops into Los Angeles — over the objections of the governor and local law enforcement — is unnecessary and counterproductive,” Bonta said. “It’s also deeply unfair to the members of the National Guard, who are hard at work every day protecting our state, preparing for and responding to emergencies and training so that, if called, they can fight our nation’s wars.”

Meanwhile, as the feud between the Republican president and Democratic governor continues to escalate amid the immigration crackdown, Trump suggested Monday that his administration should arrest Newsom.

Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” said over the weekend that anyone who impedes federal immigration operations would be arrested, later adding that the warning extended to “anybody,” including Newsom and Bass. Newsom responded with a challenge: “So, Tom, arrest me. Let’s go.”

“I would do it if I were Tom,” Trump said when asked about the back-and-forth Monday. “I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.”

Newsom’s team, meanwhile, referred to Trump’s remarks in an email as “a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.