Urge Bipartisan Immigration Reform to Prevent Executive Overreach

I am deeply concerned about the recent reports of potential National Guard mobilization to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in 19 states, including Utah. This unprecedented move, which could involve over 1,000 National Guard members from August to mid-November, raises serious questions about the appropriate use of our military resources and the federal government's approach to immigration policy. Governor Spencer Cox has rightly expressed caution, stating that Utah has not received direct communication from Washington about potential involvement. He has set clear conditions for Utah's participation, including limiting Guard members to support functions only and requiring full federal funding. While the Utah National Guard has confirmed receiving a request for volunteers for administrative and clerical support, this still requires the Governor's approval. This situation underscores the urgent need for Congress to act on comprehensive immigration reform. A bipartisan, non-discriminatory approach that balances fiscal responsibility, commercial realities, and humanitarian concerns is long overdue. Without such reform, we risk continued executive overreach and policies that may be more about political showmanship than effective solutions. Experts have raised valid concerns about using the National Guard for civilian matters and questioned the president's authority to deploy troops to other cities. These concerns highlight the potential legal and ethical issues surrounding such actions. I urge you to prioritize working across the aisle to develop a comprehensive immigration policy that addresses border security, streamlines legal immigration processes, and provides humane solutions for undocumented individuals already in the country. By taking action now, Congress can prevent further executive actions that may strain our National Guard resources and potentially violate the principles of federalism. The time for meaningful immigration reform is now. Please take immediate steps to bring this issue to the forefront of congressional priorities and work towards a solution that reflects our nation's values and addresses the complex realities of immigration in the 21st century.