National Guard across 19 states not tied to Trump’s anti-crime measures, insists White House

The White House is clarifying the role of the National Guard, following speculation about the deployment's link to President Donald Trump's crime reduction initiatives.

According to Fox News, the activation is intended to provide logistical support to immigration enforcement, separate from efforts to tackle violent crime in Washington, D.C., and plans to extend similar measures to other cities.

National Guard units have been activated in 19 states, with up to 1,700 Guardsmen expected to participate in the operation.

National Guard Deployment and Its Purpose

The primary reason for the deployment is to assist the Department of Homeland Security with immigration enforcement.

Officials have emphasized that the operations are distinct from those aimed at reducing crime, particularly in major cities experiencing spikes in violence.

The National Guard's responsibilities in this deployment largely involve providing clerical support and logistical assistance at ICE facilities across the nation.

Details of the Deployment and Impact

The activation of the Guardsmen was first announced last month, and it is part of a broader initiative focusing on both crime and immigration.

According to the White House, these activations are not to be confused with efforts to address violent crime in cities like Washington, D.C.

Defense officials have noted a shift in ICE's needs from mainly administrative support to a broader range of logistical tasks.

D.C. Crime Efforts and Future Plans

Separate from this, President Trump has deployed the National Guard in Washington, D.C., to help curb violent crime. This effort has already resulted in at least 465 arrests.

Trump has hinted at extending these crime intervention strategies to other cities, naming Chicago and New York as potential next targets for similar measures.

The President's remarks to federal agents underscore an ambition to create safer environments in troubled areas before moving on to help other cities.

Legal and Organizational Framework

The mobilization of the National Guard for immigration purposes is authorized under Title 32 Section 502F, which avoids limitations imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had approved the change in status and added forces under this authority last month.

In D.C., the President wields direct authority, unlike other states where Guardsmen are under governor control.

White House and Defense Commentary

A White House official has repeatedly clarified that the recent mobilizations are unrelated to city-based crime reduction efforts.

"This isn’t new nor is it linked to the President’s endeavors to reduce crime in D.C.," the official stated, emphasizing the administrative nature of the National Guard’s role with ICE.

In addition, the U.S. defense sector has collaborated with partners to adjust and meet the comprehensive needs of ICE's operations.

Clarification and Future Plans

As detail emerges, officials are urging the public to recognize the separation of immigration and crime initiatives led by the administration.

The division of these roles underscores the complexity of managing both immigration concerns and city safety under different federal directives.

The broader nationwide approach highlights Trump's overarching agenda to address safety on multiple fronts, while keeping public expectations managed clearly.