Under the directive of President Donald Trump, the U.S. National Guard is set to mobilize up to 1,700 soldiers across 19 states to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in its nationwide immigration and crime crackdown. The deployment is planned to begin in late August and extend through mid-November, involving states like Texas, Virginia, and Nevada, with Texas expected to host the largest contingent of National Guard members. The National Guard will play a support role for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, providing logistical and administrative assistance in areas such as case management, transportation, and data collection, including fingerprinting, DNA testing, and photographing detainees. While the service members will operate under Title 32 authority, which allows for direct involvement in immigration enforcement without violating the Posse Comitatus Act, they will remain under the command of their respective governors, as per the National Guard’s structure.
President Trump has emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the goal is to create a safer environment and to expand the operation to other parts of the country. This includes his recent announcement about intensifying law enforcement efforts in Washington, D.C., and potentially extending similar measures to cities such as Chicago and New York. The move has sparked discussions about the role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement and the extent of federal authority in immigration matters. However, the Pentagon has confirmed that the defense department is working closely with other agencies and governors to provide the necessary support while adhering to legal boundaries and maintaining the National Guard’s constitutional role.
The deployment of National Guard troops to assist with immigration enforcement is part of a larger strategy aimed at reinforcing national security and addressing concerns over illegal immigration and criminal activity across the country. This effort is also aligned with the Trump administration’s broader approach to law and order, which has included the use of military personnel in local law enforcement tasks, such as in Washington, D.C., where several National Guard units have been assigned to checkpoints and other security roles. While the use of National Guard members in immigration-related operations is not without controversy, the administration has highlighted the necessity of these measures to ensure the safety and security of the United States.