The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally requested the deployment of 20,000 National Guard troops to support large-scale deportation operations targeting undocumented migrants. If approved, this would represent an unprecedented use of military forces in domestic immigration enforcement at the national level.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to NPR that military legal teams are currently evaluating the legality and logistics of the deployment. The National Guard troops, who would serve on a volunteer basis, would be drawn from various state units. Their responsibilities could include logistical support such as transportation of detainees, security at detention centers, and possibly even assisting in arrests—though final decisions on their exact roles have yet to be made.
The request is part of the broader immigration enforcement strategy under President Trump’s administration, which recently issued a directive to increase the number of immigration officers by 20,000. The administration argues that utilizing the National Guard would be the fastest and most efficient way to meet that target.
While there is no indication at this time that President Trump plans to federalize the National Guard—meaning control of the troops would remain with state governors—such a move could face resistance from states that oppose the administration’s immigration policies. In the past, some governors have declined to allow their Guard units to be used for immigration enforcement, citing concerns about overreach and the blurring of military and civil responsibilities.
Currently, over 10,000 active-duty troops are deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border. This number represents a dramatic increase from the previous administration under President Biden, who had reduced the military’s role in immigration enforcement. In a related move, the Pentagon recently expanded its jurisdiction over the “Roosevelt Reservation,” a federally controlled 60-foot-wide strip of land running along the U.S.-Mexico border in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and California. This area is now being reinforced with barriers and surveillance infrastructure.
Civil rights groups and immigration advocates have voiced concern over the potential for human rights abuses and the militarization of immigration policy. Legal experts also warn that using the military in domestic law enforcement—especially in roles like detention or arrest—could violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of federal troops in civilian law enforcement activities.
The request is still under review, and it remains uncertain how many states would agree to participate or how quickly the troops could be mobilized if the plan is approved. DHS has yet to issue a formal public statement on the matter.