Chicago – May 16, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has asked the Pentagon for help with removing migrants who are in the U.S. without legal status. They are asking for about 20,000 National Guard troops to assist with this effort.
A U.S. official, who did not have permission to speak publicly, told NPR that military lawyers are looking over this request. The request was first reported by The New York Times.
The plan would ask state governors to provide volunteers from their National Guard units for the removals. It’s not clear yet when this will happen or when the request for volunteers will be made. There is also no information about what exactly the Guard troops would do. They could help with things like transportation, security, or possibly even detaining or arresting migrants.
In February, Texas Governor Greg Abbott gave his state’s Guard members the authority to make immigration arrests. This would be the first time National Guard troops from across the country would be asked to help with deportations. President Trump recently ordered DHS to add 20,000 officers to the deportation force. Using National Guard troops is seen as a fast way to meet that goal.
The Trump administration has been using more active duty troops along the U.S.-Mexico border to improve security and deal with illegal immigration. There are now more than 10,000 troops on the border, which is a big increase from the 2,500 troops during the Biden administration.
The Pentagon has also taken control of land along the border, including a 60-foot wide area called the Roosevelt Reservation. Military officials say these troops can “temporarily detain trespassers” until local law enforcement arrives.
