In a significant move concerning immigration enforcement in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has asked for the deployment of 20,000 National Guard members. This request was confirmed by a spokesperson for the DHS on a recent Friday and represents a substantial commitment to bolster border security and immigration enforcement measures across the nation.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin provided insight into the rationale behind this request, emphasizing the department’s commitment to utilizing “every tool and resource available” to remove “criminal illegal aliens.” McLaughlin specifically mentioned gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and other violent offenders, indicating that the safety of American citizens remains a top priority for the department. This declaration highlights the ongoing tension surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. under the current administration.
This new push for a sizable National Guard presence is part of a broader strategy initiated by the Trump administration to increase interior arrests of undocumented migrants, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s mass-deportation campaign promises. Sources have reported that this request from the DHS is presently under review by the Pentagon, marking a crucial step in the enforcement policy that has garnered significant national attention.
As part of this initiative, Border Patrol agents are expected to expand their reach nationwide, coinciding with a rising crackdown on immigration-related crimes across various urban areas in the United States. Recent reports from CNN indicated that frustrations have been mounting within Trump’s cabinet regarding the pace of interior arrests. Communication between the White House and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly been tense as officials express concerns over these delays.
It is important to note that the complexity of conducting interior arrests necessitates considerable manpower and resources, in contrast to detaining individuals crossing the border. This gap has driven the administration to seek the assistance of thousands of additional National Guardsmen to support these operations effectively.
The National Guard’s involvement is not merely a federal initiative; it also relies on collaboration with state governors who have the authority to permit their deployment under state orders, specifically using Title 32 authority. This provision allows the National Guard units to operate effectively in immigration enforcement duties, similar to the strategy employed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021. Abbott’s state troopers and National Guard members were dispatched to assist with immigration workflows, setting a precedent for this kind of deployment.
Earlier in 2023, a memorandum of understanding was established between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Texas National Guard, enabling select Texas Guard personnel to possess immigration authority under CBP supervision. This arrangement emphasizes the operational framework through which National Guard members can engage in immigration enforcement.
The units deployed are expected to provide crucial ground support for arrest teams and ensure “force protection” during operations, as noted by sources. Though a defense official has pointed out that the Guard’s role is expected to remain supportive—rather than directly involved in arrests—the units will operate under state command, thereby circumventing some of the legal limitations imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military engagement in domestic law enforcement.
In recent months, the U.S. military has also deployed thousands of troops, including active-duty forces, to assist at the southern border, focusing on patrol activities, barricade construction, and logistical support for the DHS rather than direct law enforcement actions. Active-duty troops, operating under federal authority (Title 10), are generally inhibited from engaging in domestic law enforcement activities unless under extraordinary circumstances, such as the invocation of the Insurrection Act by the president.
Notably, there was a recent decision by the Pentagon and DHS to recommend against invoking the Insurrection Act at this time, citing low border crossing rates and suggesting that there was no pressing need for additional authorities to manage migrant flows.
This situation continues to evolve, with the immigration enforcement landscape reflecting the intersection of state and federal authorities, highlighting the complexities surrounding national security, public safety, and the legal frameworks governing the military’s role in domestic affairs. CNN’s Holmes Lybrand contributed to this comprehensive report.