The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed the use of National Guard troops to assist with immigration enforcement, according to a memo obtained by NPR.
These troops will be involved in activities including rural interdiction, night operations, guard duty, and even riot control within detention facilities.
The memo, dated May 9, from Andrew Whitaker, the executive secretary at DHS, outlines specific duties for the troops, indicating a need for up to 20,000 National Guard personnel.
The breakdown of requested troops includes 3,500 for ‘Attempt to Locate — Fugitives,’ 2,500 for detention support, and 10,000 for transportation support.
The transportation support will focus on the intra- and interstate transport of detainees and unaccompanied alien children.
Additional requests have been made for 1,000 troops to provide support with document translation and assistance in interviews.
While DHS has made the request, the Pentagon has yet to approve the deployment of these troops.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the request, stating, ‘DHS requested 20,000 National Guard members to help carry out the President’s mandate… The safety of American citizens comes first.’
According to Senator Jack Reed, this would mark the first instance in which the National Guard has been engaged in immigration enforcement domestically.
During a hearing with Army officials, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll noted that while preparations are underway to provide the forces, specific operational details remain unclear.
He emphasized that the Guard would not be deployed for unlawful purposes.
Concerns regarding the legality of transferring troops across state lines also remain a significant point of discussion among officials.
Currently, the Pentagon is coordinating with state governors to identify which states will contribute troops.
Most of these troops are expected to come from Republican-led states and could be deployed as early as next month.
In discussions between DHS and the Pentagon, ‘sanctuary cities’ were frequently mentioned as locations targeted for immigration enforcement operations.
Last week, DHS released a list of ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ claimed to be impeding federal immigration law enforcement.
However, the agency retracted the list after local leaders and organizations, including the National Sheriffs Association, expressed concerns over its accuracy and the lack of consultation with affected parties.
In recent months, DHS has increased its staffing for immigration law enforcement, drawing thousands of officers from various federal agencies, including the FBI, Treasury, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The pressure on ICE is mounting, with White House officials recently criticizing the slow pace of arrests related to individuals suspected of being in the country without legal status.
This criticism has resulted in increased arrest quotas for field offices, with the new quota set at 3,000 arrests per day.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how effective the deployment of National Guard troops will be in addressing immigration enforcement challenges within the United States.
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