Donald Trump is initiating a major deployment of the National Guard. Approximately 1,700 soldiers will be activated across the United States from August until at least mid-November.
A significant number of these troops will be stationed in Texas. They will also be deployed to 18 other states, including Florida, Georgia, and Ohio, among others.
According to a Pentagon official, the mission’s primary goal is to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security. This move aligns with Trump’s focus on crime and illegal immigration.
The soldiers will provide support with various tasks. These include case management, transportation, logistics, and clerical functions for ICE.
The official also detailed that processing may involve collecting personal data from individuals in custody. This can include fingerprinting, taking DNA swabs, and photographs.
This action follows Trump’s previous deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., which he deemed a success. He has suggested similar interventions could be used in other cities, like Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed strong opposition to any potential deployment to his city. He called the idea an “unlawful” and “unsound” approach that lacks coordination.
