The Pentagon plans to deploy around 1,700 National Guard members across 19 states soon. This move comes as President Trump endorses the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and crime.
Documents reveal that states involved include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
Texas is expected to have a significant number of these security personnel stationed.
According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the National Guard’s presence is intended to act as both a deterrent and supportive element for broad federal efforts.
Members of the National Guard will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with case management, transportation, logistical support, and administrative functions relating to handling illegal immigrants. This may involve collecting personal data, taking fingerprints, and conducting DNA tests, officials noted.
President Trump has indicated a desire to extend operations initially focused on D.C. to other states, mentioning Chicago and New York as possible targets during discussions with federal agents at the D.C. Patrol Center.
The Secretary of Defense stated that while they don’t speculate on future operations, planning is ongoing to ensure the protection of federal assets.
As of now, less than 2% of the authorized National Guard forces have been mobilized, but their involvement is expected to increase in the weeks ahead.
A spokesperson for the Virginia State Guard emphasized that their personnel won’t engage in law enforcement but will instead report to ICE leadership while remaining under the governor’s authority.
This mobilization will provide a more prominent role for the military in enforcing federal immigration policies as the Trump administration pushes for the deportation of unlawfully present individuals.
Using military resources for civilian law enforcement is generally limited under the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act; however, National Guard units are being called up under specific legal authority.
In July, Defense Secretary Pete Hegses approved additional forces at DHS’s request for interior enforcement, transitioning existing forces to Title 32 status.
Details suggest that operations may commence in early September in states like Idaho, Iowa, and Nevada, although each state’s timeline may differ based on the governor’s coordination with DHS. Interestingly, Vermont has opted not to activate their National Guard despite federal approval.
Separately, a recent deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard members was made to support law enforcement in Washington, D.C.
Under direct presidential orders, these guards were assigned to various security roles within the city, aimed at crime prevention and maintaining a visible law enforcement presence.
With Hegses’s authorization, these National Guard members are permitted to carry weapons when necessary, although the situation varies by state depending on individual governors’ decisions.
The Secretary of Defense indicated that this mobilization is part of a broader strategy to uphold immigration policies and address security concerns expressed by President Trump.
Trump remarked on the urgency of their mission, hinting at plans for long-term deployments to keep “criminals” in check while emphasizing that they’re serious about maintaining order.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the timing of these operations, particularly as they coincide with preparations for the 250th Independence Day celebrations next year.
Nonetheless, Trump has repeatedly stressed his commitment to maintaining a robust security presence in D.C. and is considering expanding those efforts nationwide.
