DHS Memo Reveals National Guard Use in Immigration Enforcement Plans

Key Takeaways

• DHS requests 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement starting July 2025.
• Troops roles include raids, detention support, transports, translation, and fugitive searches.
• Plan raises legal issues under the Posse Comitatus Act and faces political opposition.

A newly revealed memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has brought national attention to a plan that could reshape immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. Dated May 9, 2025, the memo outlines a request for up to 20,000 National Guard troops to take on direct immigration enforcement roles across the country. This request, which is still under review by the Pentagon, would mark the first time in U.S. history that National Guard members are assigned to such duties on this scale. The proposal follows a series of recent policy changes under President Trump, including the removal of restrictions on immigration enforcement in places like schools and hospitals, and a broader push for federal and state cooperation in immigration matters.

This article explains what the DHS memo proposes, why it matters, who is involved, and what it could mean for immigrants, state governments, and the future of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.

What Is the DHS Proposal?

The Department of Homeland Security has formally asked the Pentagon to approve the deployment of up to 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement. According to the memo, these troops would be used in a variety of roles, including:

• Nighttime raids and rural operations to find and arrest undocumented immigrants.
• Guard duty and riot control inside detention centers.
• Locating fugitives: Up to 3,500 troops would be assigned to search for people with outstanding immigration warrants.
• Detention support: 2,500 troops would help run detention facilities.
• Transportation: As many as 10,000 troops would move detainees and unaccompanied minors within and between states.
• Translation and interview help: 1,000 troops would assist with language translation and interviews.

If approved, the deployment could begin as early as July 2025. The plan would focus on areas with large immigrant populations, including so-called “sanctuary cities” and major urban centers. Military bases far from the border could also be used to hold detainees.

Why Is This Happening Now?

The proposal comes after a series of policy changes by the Trump administration since January 2025. These changes include:

• Ending “protected areas” guidance: Immigration enforcement can now take place in locations that were previously off-limits, such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
• Expanding federal and state cooperation: The administration has encouraged state and local law enforcement to work more closely with federal immigration agencies.
• Increasing ICE and CBP authority: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have been given more power to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants.

According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of DHS, “DHS requested 20,000 National Guard members to help carry out the President’s mandate… The safety of American citizens comes first.” This statement reflects the administration’s argument that the deployment is necessary to remove “criminal illegal aliens” and protect public safety.

How Would the Deployment Work?

The plan involves several steps before National Guard troops could be used for immigration enforcement:

1. Pentagon Approval: The Department of Defense must approve the DHS request. As of now, the Pentagon is still reviewing the proposal and has not made a decision.
2. State Coordination: DHS and the Pentagon would work with state governors to identify which National Guard units would participate. This is important because National Guard troops are usually under the control of state governors, not the federal government.
3. Deployment: Once approved, troops would be sent to specific locations to carry out their assigned roles, including night operations, rural searches, detention support, and transportation.
4. Operational Oversight: The troops would operate under the direction of DHS, with clear assignments for each group.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has stated that while preparations are underway, deployment will not occur “for any unlawful purposes” and that legal questions remain unresolved.

Legal and Constitutional Questions

The use of National Guard troops for immigration enforcement raises serious legal and constitutional issues. The main concern is the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that limits the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. While the National Guard can sometimes be used for law enforcement when under state control, using them for federal immigration enforcement is much more controversial.

Key legal questions include:
– Does the plan violate the Posse Comitatus Act? Many legal experts and lawmakers argue that it could, especially if troops are used for direct law enforcement activities like arrests and detention.
– Who controls the troops? If the National Guard is “federalized” (put under federal control), the legal restrictions are even stronger.
– What about state authority? Governors of Democratic-led states may refuse to allow their National Guard units to participate, leading to possible legal battles between states and the federal government.

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has strongly criticized the plan, saying it sets a dangerous precedent and could violate both the law and the Constitution.

What Roles Would the National Guard Play?

The DHS memo provides detailed numbers and roles for the National Guard troops if the plan is approved:

• Night Operations & Rural Interdiction: Troops would join ICE and CBP agents in nighttime raids and searches in rural areas to find undocumented immigrants.
• Detention Facility Support: Troops would guard detention centers and help control riots or disturbances inside these facilities.
• Fugitive Location: Up to 3,500 troops would focus on finding people who have ignored deportation orders or have outstanding warrants.
• Detention Support: 2,500 troops would help run detention centers, including handling paperwork and managing detainee movement.
• Transportation: Up to 10,000 troops would be responsible for moving detainees, including unaccompanied minors, between facilities and across state lines.
• Translation & Interview Assistance: 1,000 troops would help with translating documents and conducting interviews with detainees.

These roles go far beyond what National Guard troops have done in the past, which was mostly limited to surveillance, logistics, and support—not direct enforcement or detention.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The proposal has sparked strong reactions from many different groups:

Department of Homeland Security and Trump Administration

• Support the plan, arguing it is needed to protect public safety and enforce immigration laws.
• Claim that the deployment will help remove “criminal illegal aliens” from the country.

Pentagon and Military Leadership

• Cautious about the plan, emphasizing that troops will not be used for unlawful purposes.
• Point out that National Guard members are not trained for civilian law enforcement and that legal questions remain.

Congressional Democrats

• Strongly opposed, citing concerns about legality, the Posse Comitatus Act, and the precedent of using military forces for civilian law enforcement.
• Worry that the plan could lead to civil rights violations and undermine trust in the military.

State Governors

• Mixed reactions: Republican-led states are more likely to cooperate, while Democratic-led states may resist or challenge the deployment.
• Governors have the power to refuse to send their National Guard units unless federalized, which could lead to legal disputes.

Immigrant Advocacy Groups

• Warn that the plan will increase fear in immigrant communities and make people less likely to seek essential services like healthcare and education.
• Argue that ending “protected areas” guidance could lead to enforcement actions in places that were previously considered safe, such as schools and hospitals.

Impact on Immigrant Communities

The proposed deployment could have a major impact on immigrants living in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those without legal status. Some of the possible effects include:

• Increased fear and anxiety: The presence of National Guard troops in neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals could make immigrants afraid to leave their homes or seek help when needed.
• Reduced access to services: If people fear being arrested at hospitals or schools, they may avoid getting medical care or sending their children to class.
• Family separation: More aggressive enforcement could lead to more families being separated, especially if parents are detained or deported.
• Civil rights concerns: There is a risk of racial profiling, wrongful arrests, and other abuses if troops are not properly trained for law enforcement duties.

Immigrant advocacy groups have already reported a rise in fear and confusion in communities since the policy changes were announced. As reported by VisaVerge.com, many families are seeking legal advice and making emergency plans in case of raids or arrests.

Historical Background

While National Guard troops have been used before to support border security, their roles were always limited. In the past, they helped with:

• Surveillance: Watching the border and reporting suspicious activity.
• Logistics: Moving supplies and equipment.
• Technical support: Helping with communications and technology.

They were not involved in direct enforcement, arrests, or running detention centers. The current proposal would be the first time National Guard troops are used for these purposes on a large scale.

The legal precedent for using military forces in domestic law enforcement is very limited. The Posse Comitatus Act was passed after the Civil War to prevent the military from being used as a police force. There have been rare exceptions, usually during declared emergencies or natural disasters, but never for routine immigration enforcement.

What Happens Next?

The future of the plan depends on several key developments:

• Pentagon Decision: The Department of Defense must decide whether to approve the DHS request. As of now, the decision is still pending.
• State Cooperation: Even if the Pentagon approves, state governors must agree to send their National Guard units. Some may refuse, especially in states with large immigrant populations or Democratic leadership.
• Legal Challenges: Lawsuits from states, advocacy groups, or members of Congress are likely if the plan moves forward. Courts may be asked to decide whether the deployment is legal.
• Operational Details: Many questions remain about how the troops would be trained, what rules they would follow, and how oversight would be handled.

There is also talk of sending hundreds of CBP agents to support ICE in the interior of the country, which would further expand federal immigration enforcement.

Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Families

If you or your family could be affected by these changes, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, including the Department of Homeland Security official website.
• Know your rights: Learn what to do if approached by law enforcement or immigration officers. Many advocacy groups offer free resources and legal advice.
• Have a plan: Make emergency plans for your family, including who to contact if someone is detained.
• Seek legal help: If you have questions about your status or need help, contact a qualified immigration attorney or a local immigrant support organization.

For questions about detention or to report concerns, you can contact the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line at 1-888-351-4024 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday) or email ERO.INFO@ice.dhs.gov.

Broader Implications

The outcome of this proposal will have far-reaching effects on immigration policy, the relationship between the military and civilian law enforcement, and the daily lives of millions of people in the United States 🇺🇸. If approved, it could set a precedent for using military forces in other areas of law enforcement, raising questions about civil liberties and the proper role of the military in American society.

Key points to watch:
– Legal battles: Courts may play a major role in deciding whether the plan can go forward.
– Political debates: Congress and state governments will likely continue to debate the issue, with strong opinions on both sides.
– Community impact: Immigrant communities will face new challenges and may need extra support and resources.

Conclusion

The Department of Homeland Security’s plan to deploy up to 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement is a major policy shift with serious legal, political, and human consequences. As the Pentagon reviews the request and states consider their response, the nation is watching closely. The decision will affect not only how immigration laws are enforced, but also the rights and safety of millions of people living in the United States 🇺🇸.

For the latest updates and official information, visit the Department of Homeland Security website. If you or someone you know is affected by immigration enforcement, seek legal advice and stay connected to community resources. The coming weeks and months will be critical in shaping the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and national security.
National Guard → Military reserve force controlled by states but can be federalized for specific duties.
Posse Comitatus Act → A law limiting military involvement in civilian law enforcement within the U.S.
Immigration enforcement → Government actions to find, arrest, and detain unauthorized immigrants.
Sanctuary cities → Cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrants.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Department of Homeland Security plans to deploy 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, marking a historic shift. This controversial move raises legal and political questions as it aims to enhance enforcement across sanctuary cities and rural areas starting July 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com