Tennessee Governor Deploys National Guard for Immigration Enforcement Support
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is mobilizing the National Guard to assist in federal immigration enforcement initiatives under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Following inquiries from local media, the governor’s office clarified Lee’s statements multiple times on Tuesday.
In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the governor has authorized National Guard Forces to help with administrative tasks at various immigration and customs enforcement facilities in Tennessee. According to spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson, these guards, while operating under state orders, will be federally funded and involved in tasks such as data entry, case management, and logistics.
The operation is still in the planning phase, and the guards will collaborate with both state and federal agencies to figure out the appropriate actions in response to requests for aid.
Many Republican leaders in the state have consistently supported the president’s deportation strategies, including Lt. Col. Randy McNally from Oak Ridge.
“I fully endorse utilizing National Guard personnel to provide administrative and logistical aid to ICE in enforcing immigration laws. Our laws have been overlooked, and our borders have been overwhelmed for too long,” he stated.
Lee has been open about his intentions to use state resources to back Trump’s deportation efforts. Yet, while the governor has pointed out an emphasis on removing violent offenders, it’s noteworthy that Trump’s approach has not confined deportation solely to individuals charged with serious crimes.
As of Trump’s second term start in January, the governor instructed state agencies to start preparing for deportation initiatives.
Tennessee is reportedly one of 20 states where Republican governors have agreed to back deportation enforcement efforts. However, reports suggest that the Department of Homeland Security is contemplating utilizing National Guard personnel for detaining, transporting immigrants, and pursuing other immigration violations.
Democratic state representative John Ray Clemons voiced criticism regarding this move, highlighting that Congress has allocated nearly $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border security, including $75 million for ICE. He questioned why Tennessee taxpayers should be involved in this development.
“If Lee intends to mobilize the National Guard as if he’s ‘playing military,’ he ought to prioritize delivering food and aid to Tennessee children who he deliberately neglected this summer,” Clemons remarked.
This criticism stems from Lee’s decision to opt out of a federally funded summer food program, which would have allocated around $75 million and benefited approximately 700,000 children, choosing instead a much smaller state-run initiative costing $3 million that reached fewer kids.
