The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration-enforcement activities, as revealed in a memo obtained by NPR. The memo outlines various duties for these troops, including “night operations and rural interdiction,” guard duty, riot control in detention facilities, and transportation support for detainees and unaccompanied alien children. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the need to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens, prioritizing the safety of American citizens.

Notably, this marks the first time the National Guard would be involved in enforcing an immigration crackdown within the U.S., raising concerns about the legality and purpose of deploying troops. While the Pentagon has yet to approve the request, preparations are underway, with the expectation that troops, primarily from Republican-led states, could deploy as early as next month. Discussions between DHS and the Pentagon have mentioned “sanctuary cities” as potential locations for immigration enforcement operations.

As DHS intensifies efforts to enforce federal immigration laws, including recent record-high daily arrest numbers, the agency faces increasing pressure to meet White House expectations. The dynamic landscape of immigration enforcement, involving multiple federal agencies and potential National Guard deployment, underscores the complex and controversial nature of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.