The Department of Homeland Security of the United States (DHS) formally requested the deployment of 20,000 National Guard members to support immigration raid operations within the country. The request included instructions for the troops to search for unaccompanied immigrant children and transport them between states.
A report from NPR outlined the details of the DHS request, specifying that up to 10,000 personnel would be needed to support transportation, including the "intra- and interstate transfer of detainees/unaccompanied foreign children". An additional 1,000 personnel would be used for tasks such as document translation and assistance during interviews.
The tasks are outlined in a request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon dated May 9. The document states that "this is the first formal request from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the deployment of National Guard personnel in support of interior immigration law enforcement operations."
The text requests the use of National Guard troops for the "search and rescue of unaccompanied foreign children in remote or hostile areas" and the "intra- and interstate transport of detainees and unaccompanied foreign children," without clearly explaining what this would entail.
Most of the personnel, around 10,000, would be used to transport detained individuals, according to the DHS. About 2,500 soldiers would be used for detention support, but the document does not specify where. Another 1,000 would be allocated to administrative support tasks, such as processing detainees.
The request also refers to the need for 3,500 officers for "attempted location of fugitives" and to carry out "surveillance and reconnaissance missions," as well as "night operations and rural intercepts."
On another note, it seeks support for ICE in joint operational group activities for tracking fugitives," as stated by three sources familiar with the plans to the chain NBC.
Last month, when the request for 20,000 National Guard agents was made public, a government official stated that the request was under review by the Department of Defense and represented a significant step in President Donald Trump's immigration policy, who has insisted on strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws as part of his campaign against what he has described as an "invasion" of migrants.
Unlike previous deployments focused on the border with Mexico, these new personnel would come from various states and would be assigned to deportation operations within U.S. territory, significantly expanding military presence in civilian contexts.
The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits federal troops from exercising police functions within the country, but units under the control of state governors could directly participate in arrests and raids.
The DHS request would entail doubling the operational force of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has about 20,000 employees, approximately 6,000 of whom are directly involved in the arrests and removals of individuals without legal status in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deployment of the National Guard for Immigration Operations in the U.S.
Why did the DHS request the deployment of the National Guard for immigration operations?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested the deployment of the National Guard to assist in immigration raid operations within the country, as part of an effort to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws under the administration of Donald Trump. This measure aims to intensify the arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, it includes the transfer and transportation of unaccompanied migrant children.
How many members of the National Guard will be deployed and what will their specific roles be?
Up to 20,000 members of the National Guard may be deployed to support various aspects of immigration operations, including the transportation of detainees and unaccompanied migrant children, administrative support, and search and rescue tasks. These functions will be carried out at both intrastate and interstate levels, and some personnel will also be assigned to surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.
What legal implications could the use of the National Guard have in these operations?
The use of the National Guard in immigration law enforcement operations may face legal challenges due to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits federal troops from performing police functions. However, National Guard units under the control of state governors could directly participate in arrests and raids. This situation could lead to tensions with state governments that oppose cooperating with the federal strategy.
What criticisms has the Trump administration's immigration policy received?
The immigration policy of the Trump administration has faced criticism for increasing the militarization of immigration policies and for its humanitarian implications. Legal experts and human rights advocates have expressed concern about the impact of these measures, especially regarding family separation and the detention of minors. Furthermore, the strategy has generated tensions with some local and state governments.
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