Trump Administration Seeks Additional National Guard Support for Border Control

The Trump administration is pushing for the addition of 20,000 National Guard members to bolster efforts against illegal immigration, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, Border Chief Tom Homan, and Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem.

Currently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is deporting over 66,000 undocumented immigrants in the U.S. However, the administration feels there is a need for further reinforcement by bringing in more personnel.

During Barack Obama’s second term, approximately 1.49 million undocumented immigrants were deported from 2013 to 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security data from that period.

“DHS has called on 20,000 National Guard members to assist with the deportation of criminally illegal aliens,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, deputy director at the Department of Homeland Security, in a statement to the New York Post.

“We will employ all available resources to remove illegal foreigners engaged in crimes, including gang members, murderers, and violent criminals. The safety of American citizens is our top priority,” added McLaughlin.

Further details about how the Department of Defense (DOD) will coordinate with this request remain under discussion.

Reflecting on Operation Jump from 2006 to 2008, around 6,000 National Guard personnel were stationed at the U.S.-Mexico border under George W. Bush. Their duties were mostly related to surveillance and infrastructure support, rather than direct law enforcement.

As for the specifics of Trump’s border strategy, it’s unclear whether state approval is required and what precise role the military would have in deportations.

Reports indicate Border Patrol officials are being asked to “volunteer” for supporting ICE in an upcoming national initiative, although the specific locations and targets have not been disclosed.

Efforts continue amid decreasing illegal border crossings, which the Trump administration touts as a significant achievement. In April, crossings plummeted by 93%, with the Border Patrol reporting fewer than 10,000 encounters—a stark contrast to over 128,000 in April 2024 under the Biden administration.

Additionally, the Trump administration is offering new options for undocumented individuals to leave voluntarily. One proposal involves the government covering the cost of flights home and providing a $1,000 incentive upon arrival.