Trump mobilizing up to 1,700 National Guard troops in 19 states to widen crime and immigration crackdown

American flag. Credit: Vít Luštinec, Wikipedia.

Deployments reportedly set to take place largely in Republican-controlled states

Josh Marcus -- The Independent

Aug. 23, 2025

The Trump administration reportedly plans to mobilize up to 1,700 National Guard troops across 19 states in the coming weeks to support its immigration and anti-crime crackdowns, a dramatic expansion of the controversial operation that’s seen federal agents and Guard troops carrying out activities across Washington, D.C.

The troops, who will largely be activated across Republican-controlled states, will serve in support of the administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, as well as other law enforcement priorities, according to comments from unnamed Pentagon officials and documents obtained by Fox News.

The Guardsmen assisting ICE will be carrying out tasks that may include “personal data collection, fingerprinting, DNA swabbing and photographing of personnel in ICE custody," an official told the outlet. 

The deployments will take place across the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, Fox reported.

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READ MORE: The Independent