The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested over 20,000 National Guard troops from the Pentagon to assist with President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts. This move aims to bolster the administration’s campaign to arrest and deport illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared with Newsmax, “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.”
The Pentagon is currently reviewing the request, which, if approved, would mark an unprecedented use of National Guard troops for domestic immigration enforcement. Legal considerations, including the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits federal military involvement in civilian law enforcement, are under scrutiny.
In addition to the National Guard, the Trump administration is enlisting approximately 2,000 agents from federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Local law enforcement agencies are also being deputized to assist with immigration arrests.
Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Pete Flores reported a significant decrease in illegal border crossings, stating that they are down 99% in less than four months of President Trump’s second term. The administration is also offering $1,000 and travel assistance to illegal immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries, with those opting in being deprioritized for detention and removal.
