Oppose National Guard Deployment for Immigration Enforcement

I am writing to express my deep concern over the Trump administration's plan to deploy up to 1,700 National Guard troops across 19 states for immigration enforcement and so-called anti-crime operations. This unprecedented mobilization of military personnel for domestic law enforcement purposes is not only unnecessary but also represents a dangerous overreach of federal power that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. The planned deployment, which will primarily affect Republican-controlled states, goes far beyond the traditional role of the National Guard. These troops will be tasked with assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, including invasive procedures such as collecting personal data, fingerprinting, DNA swabbing, and photographing individuals in ICE custody. This level of military involvement in civilian law enforcement is alarming and raises serious questions about civil liberties and the appropriate use of our armed forces. While the Defense Department claims these troops will serve under Title 32 Section 502F authority, ostensibly remaining under state command, the reality is that they will be carrying out federal directives. This blurring of lines between state and federal control of military forces is deeply troubling and sets a dangerous precedent. The expansion of this operation comes in the wake of President Trump's threats to send federal troops into cities like Chicago and New York, purportedly for crime control. However, the deployment of nearly 2,000 Guard troops in Washington D.C., resulting in over 700 arrests despite local opposition, demonstrates that this is not about crime prevention but about exerting federal control over state and local jurisdictions. I urge you to take immediate action to oppose this militarization of our immigration enforcement and domestic policing. We must protect the principles of federalism and the clear separation between military and civilian law enforcement. Our National Guard should not be used as a tool for political intimidation or to circumvent local authority. Please use your position to demand transparency from the administration about the full scope and intentions of this deployment. Introduce or support legislation that would limit the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement, especially in cases where local authorities have not requested such assistance. Our democracy depends on maintaining these crucial boundaries between military and civilian spheres. The time to act is now, before this dangerous precedent becomes entrenched. Our communities need support and resources, not military occupation. I look forward to hearing about the concrete steps you will take to address this urgent matter.