The Pentagon is considering a Department of Homeland Security request for over 20,000 additional National Guard troops to support the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration in the U.S. This deployment would involve tasks such as tracking fugitives, managing riots at detention centers, and locating unaccompanied children in challenging terrains. Potential military bases across the country are being assessed to detain a projected surge of migrants, with estimated costs amounting to $3.6 billion for a year-long deployment.

Critics, including Sen. Jack Reed, express concerns about the militarization of domestic law enforcement and the erosion of civil liberties. President Trump’s recent actions include deploying National Guardsmen and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles against the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom, incurring significant costs.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth foresees an expanded role for the National Guard in domestic security, signaling a shift towards using military forces for homeland defense. Various military bases, including Fort Bliss and others near major cities, are under consideration to detain immigrants. The request from Homeland Security outlines the need for troops to assist in various immigration enforcement activities, raising questions about the public perception and potential impact of deploying thousands of National Guard troops in this capacity. The request emphasizes the use of Title 32 funding to support the deployment.

The deployment of National Guard troops in immigration enforcement raises concerns about the blurred lines between military and law enforcement activities, highlighting the importance of troops’ conduct in shaping public opinion and maintaining neutrality in sensitive operations.