Little Rock, Arkansas – In a move aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement within the state, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that Arkansas will deploy National Guard troops to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations under the federal Title 32 Program. The deployment follows a formal request from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Department of Defense (DOD) earlier this year, which was approved on July 25, pending each state’s authorization.
Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of addressing criminal activity linked to undocumented individuals. “Violent, criminal illegal immigrants have no place in Arkansas,” she stated. “I signed the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act to hold these criminals accountable and slap enhanced penalties on illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in our state, and I look forward to our guardsmen working with the Trump Administration to enforce federal immigration law. President Trump has secured our border and is cleaning up our streets, and Arkansas stands with him every step of the way.”
Under the approved plan, Arkansas will provide a total of 40 personnel: 27 Air National Guard Airmen and 13 Army National Guard Soldiers. Their deployment locations include Little Rock (18 personnel), Fort Smith (10), Fayetteville (10), and Camp Robinson (2), where command and control operations will be based. The federal government will fully fund the operation.
Guardsmen to Provide Logistical and Administrative Support
Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general, confirmed that the deployed troops will not be armed and will instead serve in support roles to enhance ICE’s operational efficiency. “The Arkansas National Guard stands ready to support this mission by providing requested administrative and logistical assistance to the Department of Homeland Security,” said Bridges. “Our Guardsmen are highly trained and committed to enabling federal agents to focus on their core operations.”…