Nebraska National Guard troops could be called up to help with federal immigration enforcement, according to a memo from the Department of Defense.
The memo, which was obtained by NPR, said an overall total of up to 500 guard members could be deployed from Nebraska, Iowa and five other states.
In May, the Department of Homeland Security asked for 20,000 National Guard members to assist ICE in its operations ranging from “night raids” and “rural interdictions” to guard duty at detention facilities, NPR reported. The Pentagon has already approved some 700 guard members to assist in Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
However, the memo said the troops deployed from Nebraska and other states as part of a second phase would only be used in non-law enforcement activities, such as clerical duties at detention facilities and transportation and logistical support.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen did not directly confirm the plans to use Nebraska Guard troops for immigration enforcement, but a spokesperson said he’s, “committed to working with President Trump and his team to support federal efforts to keep Americans safe.”
“Governor Pillen has seen firsthand how unsecure the southern border was under the Biden Administration and twice deployed the Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol to Texas to aid local law enforcement and border patrol agents,” the spokesperson said.
“Our entire administration will continue to look for ways to partner with federal officials, and we look forward to sharing new state-federal collaboration in the near future.”
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