Summary
President Trump's use of the National Guard in U.S. cities has been a long-term plan, not an impulsive decision. The goal is to use the Guard for major immigration enforcement, which challenges traditional laws about military use in the country. Legal experts and activists are concerned about the impact of these deployments on upcoming elections.
Key Facts
- President Trump has deployed National Guard troops to cities led by Democrats, saying they are needed for crime control and protecting immigration officers.
- The plan to use the National Guard for immigration enforcement has been discussed by Trump and his aide Stephen Miller over the years.
- There are legal limits on using the military for domestic law enforcement, but the Insurrection Act allows it under certain conditions.
- Some experts worry that deploying troops could affect the 2026 midterm elections, possibly leading to voter intimidation.
- Trump's campaign has focused on reducing illegal immigration and plans significant deportation operations.
- Stephen Miller has supported using the National Guard for immigration for several years.
- The administration faces legal challenges questioning the legality of using military forces in these ways.
