National Guard mobilizing in 19 states amid immigration, crime crackdown

From August to mid-November, 1,700 National Guard troops will deploy across 19 states, including Texas, Alabama, Florida, and Virginia, to support Homeland Security’s crackdown on illegal immigration and crime. Operating under Title 32, troops will assist ICE with case management, transportation, and data collection, including fingerprinting and DNA swabbing.

“The in-and-out processing may include personal data collection,” a U.S. Defense official confirmed. Texas will see the largest Guard presence, while Virginia mobilizes 60 troops by September. Trump, signaling expansion to Chicago and New York, declared, “We’re not playing games.”

The deployment, authorized by Defense Secretary Hegseth, avoids Posse Comitatus restrictions, as troops won’t perform arrests. “VNG personnel will not conduct law enforcement functions,” a Virginia National Guard spokesperson stated. Governors retain control, with Vermont opting out, citing concerns over federal overreach. Fewer than 2% of authorized forces are mobilized, but expansions are planned.

Trump’s broader directive includes a separate D.C. operation, where 2,000 troops support crime deterrence. “The big question is how long do we stay?” Trump told reporters, hinting at extended deployments. Critics warn of militarizing domestic policy, as governors and ICE coordinate state-specific timelines.