The Department of Homeland Security has requested 20,000 National Guard members to help with immigration enforcement across the US, a department spokesperson told CNN on Friday. “The Department of Homeland Security will use every tool and resource available to get criminal illegal aliens including gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and other violent criminals out of our country. The safety of American citizens comes first,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. The request, which is under review by the Pentagon, is part of a renewed push by the Trump administration to ramp up arrests of undocumented migrants and fulfill President Donald Trump’s mass-deportation campaign promise, sources told CNN this week. The effort will include tapping Border Patrol agents to fan out nationwide and comes as the Justice Department has begun intensifying its crackdown on immigration-related crime in cities across the country. Trump officials have been frustrated with the slower pace of interior arrests of undocumented immigrants across the country, CNN has reported, and there have been some tense calls about it between the White House and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, multiple sources said. But interior arrests often require significant manpower and resources — more than are needed when detaining migrants as they cross the border, which is why the administration is now trying to recruit additional personnel, including thousands of extra Guardsmen, for the task. The National Guard units are also expected to help the Border Patrol agents in states where governors have given permissions, since the Guard units would be operating on state rather than federal orders under Title 32 authority, a Defense Department official previously told CNN. Under the plan, states would deputize their National Guard under appropriate authorities, similarly to what Texas Governor Greg Abbott did in 2021 when he began deploying thousands of state troopers and Texas National Guard members to the border to help with immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, US Customs and Border Protection and the Texas National Guard entered a memorandum of understanding to grant certain Texas Guard personnel immigration authority under the supervision of CBP officials. The National Guard units helping with the immigration enforcement are expected to bolster arresting teams on the ground and provide what’s known as “force protection,” a source told CNN. A defense official previously told CNN that the Guard is not expected to help with arrests and will only be playing a supporting role. Technically, however, because the Guard units will be under state command and control instead of federal, the units are not subject to the law that prohibits the military from conducting domestic law enforcement known as the Posse Comitatus Act, according to the Brennan Center. The US military has deployed thousands of additional troops, including active-duty forces, to the southern border in recent months, but they have been doing patrols, building barricades and providing logistical support to DHS — not conducting arrests. Active duty forces operating under federal, or Title 10, authority are not permitted to engage in domestic law enforcement unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act. Last month, the Pentagon and DHS decided against recommending that Trump invoke the Insurrection Act for now, CNN reported at the time. The agencies told Trump that border crossings were low and that they did not need more authorities at that point to help control the flow of migrants, officials said. CNN’s Holmes Lybrand contributed to this report.
DHS requests 20,000 National Guard members to help with immigration enforcement
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"DHS Seeks Deployment of 20,000 National Guard Members for Immigration Enforcement"
CNN
5.8
TruthLens AI Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally requested the deployment of 20,000 National Guard members to assist with immigration enforcement efforts across the United States. This request, confirmed by a department spokesperson, is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration aimed at intensifying the arrest of undocumented migrants, particularly targeting those deemed as criminal threats, such as gang members and violent offenders. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the primary objective is the safety of American citizens, stating that the department will utilize all available resources to remove dangerous individuals from the country. The Pentagon is currently reviewing this request, which reflects the administration's ongoing frustration with the pace of interior immigration arrests, prompting a need for additional manpower and resources to facilitate these operations effectively.
The proposed deployment of National Guard units is expected to complement efforts by Border Patrol agents throughout the nation, particularly in states where governors have authorized such actions. These Guard members would operate under state authority, a legal framework that allows them to assist with immigration enforcement without contravening the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. While the National Guard's role is primarily supportive, aiding in logistics and providing 'force protection' for arresting teams, it is crucial to note that they are not authorized to make arrests themselves. This strategy follows similar initiatives in states like Texas, where the National Guard has previously been deputized to assist with immigration matters. Despite the heightened focus on immigration enforcement, recent assessments by the Pentagon indicated that border crossings were low, leading to a decision against invoking additional federal powers for managing migrant flows at this time.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for 20,000 National Guard members to assist with immigration enforcement in the United States. This request appears to align with the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to bolster immigration crackdowns and fulfill campaign promises regarding mass deportations.
Motivation Behind the News
The intention behind this news seems to be a demonstration of the administration's commitment to national security, particularly in relation to illegal immigration. By emphasizing the need for additional manpower to target violent criminals among undocumented migrants, the DHS aims to portray a strong stance on law enforcement. This aligns with a broader narrative that prioritizes public safety and security.
Public Perception
The article is likely to evoke mixed reactions among different segments of the population. Supporters of stricter immigration policies may view this request as a necessary step to protect American citizens, while opponents may see it as an overreach of power and a reinforcement of anti-immigrant sentiment. The framing of undocumented immigrants as primarily criminals may contribute to fear and stigmatization within communities.
Potential Omissions
There may be underlying issues not directly addressed in the article, such as the broader humanitarian impact of increased immigration enforcement or the potential for racial profiling. By focusing on the criminal aspect of undocumented immigration, the article may obscure the complexities surrounding immigration, including the reasons individuals seek asylum or better lives in the U.S.
Manipulative Elements
The article could be considered manipulative for its use of charged language to describe undocumented immigrants, framing them predominantly as "criminal illegal aliens." This choice of wording aims to generate fear and urgency around the immigration issue, potentially manipulating public opinion towards supporting aggressive enforcement actions.
Truthfulness of the News
While the request for National Guard members is factual, the portrayal of the situation may lack nuance. The framing around crime and safety may oversimplify the realities of immigration and the contributions of undocumented individuals to society. This creates a narrative that may not fully represent the complexity of the issue.
Community Impact
The request for National Guard support could significantly impact communities, particularly in areas with large immigrant populations. The increased presence of military personnel could lead to heightened tensions and fear among these communities, affecting their social dynamics and interactions with law enforcement.
Target Audience
This news likely resonates more with conservative audiences who support tougher immigration policies. It aims to reinforce the values of law and order, appealing to those who prioritize security over the complexities of immigration reform.
Market Implications
In terms of market reactions, this news could influence sectors related to security, law enforcement, and immigration services. Companies involved in security technologies or private immigration services may see fluctuations in stock prices based on public sentiment and potential policy changes.
Geopolitical Context
From a global perspective, this news reflects ongoing debates about immigration policies in various countries. The emphasis on national security in immigration enforcement could resonate with similar trends in other nations, influencing international perceptions of U.S. policies.
AI Involvement
There is no clear evidence that AI played a role in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone and emphasis on specific narratives surrounding immigration enforcement. The language may have been designed to invoke a sense of urgency or fear, aligning with certain political agendas.
The overall reliability of the news is moderate; while it presents a real event, the framing and language used may distort the broader context of immigration issues. The selective emphasis on crime and national security could mislead readers about the complexities involved.