The Trump administration is preparing to mobilize up to 1,700 National Guard troops in 19 states to support immigration and anti-crime crackdowns, marking a major expansion of a controversial operation that has already seen federal agents and Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., according to Pentagon officials.
Most of the deployments are expected in Republican-led states, with Texas slated to receive the largest share. The Guard members will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies with duties that may include collecting personal data, fingerprinting, DNA swabbing and photographing people in ICE custody, officials said.
The troops will be activated under Title 32 Section 502F authority, which keeps them under state control while allowing them to perform federally funded missions. That status enables the Guard to sidestep a law that restricts military involvement in domestic policing.
The planned rollout comes as the administration intensifies its enforcement push and broadens the role of the military in immigration operations, a move likely to renew debate over the use of National Guard forces in civilian law enforcement.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube





