Tom Homan Details National Guard Role in Immigration Enforcement
Former White House border czar Tom Homan announced plans to deploy 1,700 National Guard members across 19 states to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaking with NewsNation correspondent Libbey Dean on Saturday, Homan described the mission as a “force multiplier” designed to bolster federal immigration enforcement operations.
National Guard Support Will Enhance ICE Operations
Homan emphasized that the troops would focus on support roles rather than law enforcement. “ICE is overwhelmed. ICE has less than 5,000 deportation officers. We’ve got well over 20 million illegal aliens,” he said. The deployment is intended to allow ICE officers to prioritize locating and detaining individuals with criminal histories.
Specifically, Homan noted that approximately 700,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds are under ICE investigation. The National Guard members will assist with logistics, intelligence, and transportation, freeing up ICE personnel to focus on identifying high-priority targets.
“This mission is a force multiplier for ICE, providing critical support while ensuring federal law is upheld,” Homan explained. He clarified that, as U.S. military personnel, the Guard members are legally prohibited from participating in arrests or other civilian law enforcement activities.
Scope of the Deployment
The Pentagon confirmed that the Guard units will operate in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. The deployment is expected to last at least until mid-November, providing months of support for ongoing federal immigration efforts.
This deployment differs from a previous mobilization of troops to Washington, D.C., which was implemented after concerns about crime and conditions in the capital. “This is a separate mission from the D.C. support mission. Additional questions on personnel support to ICE should be directed to the individual states supporting the mission,” said a Pentagon spokesperson.
Addressing ICE Staffing Challenges
Homan highlighted the significant staffing challenges facing ICE, noting that a relatively small workforce of deportation officers is tasked with enforcing immigration laws for millions of individuals living illegally in the U.S. By integrating National Guard members in a support capacity, Homan argued that ICE will operate more efficiently and effectively.
“Using the National Guard in these roles allows ICE officers to concentrate on finding and processing dangerous individuals,” he said. He emphasized that this approach would improve public safety while remaining within the legal limits established for military personnel.
Legal and Political Context
The deployment underscores ongoing federal efforts to manage immigration enforcement in the U.S., balancing operational needs with legal restrictions on military involvement in civilian law enforcement. By positioning the Guard as a support asset rather than direct enforcement personnel, the administration aims to maximize resources while complying with federal law.
Critics have raised concerns about the militarization of immigration enforcement and the impact of large-scale deployments on communities. Supporters argue that focusing ICE officers on individuals with criminal histories protects public safety and ensures limited resources are used efficiently.
Looking Ahead
Homan’s announcement indicates that the Guard will remain involved in ICE operations for the coming months. Officials from the Department of Defense and participating states are coordinating closely to provide personnel, transportation, and intelligence support to enhance federal enforcement efforts.
Observers expect this deployment to draw attention to broader debates on immigration policy, border security, and the role of military support in federal operations. As the mission continues, the administration plans to assess its effectiveness and adjust resources as needed to meet enforcement objectives.
The initiative also highlights the ongoing challenges facing ICE as it navigates a complex landscape of immigration law, public safety priorities, and limited staffing capacity. By leveraging National Guard support, the agency aims to improve operational outcomes without overstepping legal boundaries.
