White House affirmation denies connection between National Guard deployment in 19 states and Trump's crime clampdown, as per their statements.
Michael Dorgan, a writer for our website Digital and Fox Business, reports on a significant development in the administration's efforts to combat illegal immigration and crime.
Up to 1,700 National Guardsmen are set to mobilize in 19 states and Washington D.C., according to a Pentagon press release announced on July 25. Their roles include collecting personal data, fingerprinting, DNA swabbing, and photographing detainees to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in their nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved hundreds of additional National Guard forces for ICE support. Hegseth has also switched existing approvals from Title 10 to Title 32 status at the request of DHS, allowing the National Guard to operate in Washington D.C., despite the Posse Comitatus Act prohibition on federal armed forces for civilian law enforcement.
In Washington D.C., National Guard troops have been posted to monuments, checkpoints, and traffic stops across all eight wards. Under direct presidential authority, Guard members have been tasked with deterring crime and maintaining a visible security presence. As a result, at least 465 arrests have been made in the operation in Washington D.C.
Military attorneys have been assigned to prosecute crimes in Washington D.C., amid the federal crackdown. Currently, 2,279 National Guard soldiers and airmen from Washington D.C., and six states are already mobilized in the capital, having completed training.
The White House argues that planning for National Guard activations in 19 states for DHS logistical support preceded Trump's recent comments about replicating enforcement efforts seen in Washington D.C. in other parts of the country. However, Trump has signaled his intent to broaden the D.C. mission to other cities, specifically mentioning Chicago and New York.
Trump activated the National Guard in Washington D.C. earlier this month as part of an effort to slash violent crime in the nation's capital. The operation is also linked to beautification efforts ahead of next year's 250th Independence Day celebration.
In addition, the National Guard will support the states of California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the coming weeks to assist DHS with processing illegal immigrants. Under Title 32 Section 502F authority, the National Guard will operate in these states, despite the Posse Comitatus Act restrictions. At Hegseth's authorization, Guard members can now carry weapons if needed.
Trump has hinted that the Guard may remain in the city for an extended period and that the mission could expand to other parts of the country. The deployment of 1,700 National Guardsmen was first announced on July 25, and their roles are crucial in supporting DHS agents in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining public safety.
