National Guard to the Border Inside the DHS Immigration Enforcement Plan

DHS Memo Reveals Scope of National Guard's Role in Immigration Enforcement

A leaked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo has shed light on the planned utilization of National Guard troops in bolstering immigration enforcement efforts. The memo, obtained by NPR, details a broad range of duties, raising concerns and sparking debate about the extent of military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

The document, dated May 9 and signed by DHS Executive Secretary Andrew Whitaker, outlines the department's request for up to 20,000 National Guard troops. It specifies their potential roles in several key areas:

• Fugitive Apprehension: Up to 3,500 personnel dedicated to "Attempt to Locate — Fugitives" operations.
• Detention Support: Approximately 2,500 troops assigned to tasks like "guard duty and riot control" within detention facilities.
• Transportation: A significant contingent of up to 10,000 troops for "intra-and inter state transport of detainees/unaccompanied alien children."
• Administrative Support: 1,000 troops for duties such as document translation and interview assistance.

The implications of these planned deployments are significant. The memo suggests the National Guard could be involved in:

• "Night operations and rural interdiction."

The Pentagon's Stance
While DHS has requested the troops, the Pentagon has not yet given final approval. The Department of Defense has issued an interim response, indicating a careful consideration of the request.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the request in a statement to NPR, saying: "DHS requested 20,000 National Guard members to help carry out the President's mandate from the American people to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens. The Department of Homeland Security will use every tool and resource available to get criminal illegal aliens including gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and other violent criminals out of our country. The safety of American citizens comes first."

Uncharted Territory
Senator Jack Reed, a leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this request. He stated that this would be the first instance of the National Guard being deployed for immigration enforcement within the United States.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll testified before the committee, acknowledging the preparations to provide the requested forces but assuring that the Guard would not be deployed "for any unlawful purposes." He also noted unanswered legal questions, particularly regarding the legality of deploying troops from one state to another.

Political Dynamics and Deployment Timeline
Sources indicate that the Pentagon is collaborating with state governors to determine which states will contribute troops, with expectations that Republican-led states will provide the majority. Deployment could potentially begin as early as next month.

Reportedly, DHS officials have specifically mentioned "sanctuary cities" as key locations for immigration enforcement operations during meetings with the Pentagon, further fueling the controversy surrounding this deployment.

The release of this DHS memo has ignited a critical national conversation about the appropriate role of the military in domestic law enforcement and the potential impact on communities across the country. As the Pentagon continues to evaluate the request, the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops for immigration enforcement remain at the forefront of public debate.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/06/nx-s1-5425421/dhs-national-guard-immigration-enforcement