Georgia officials announced on Monday that the state National Guard will send 75 troops to help with President Donald Trump’s push against illegal immigration. This move starts in the fall and focuses on support tasks across the state to free up federal agents for enforcement work.
Deployment Plans and Duties
State leaders confirmed the Georgia National Guard will deploy soldiers and airmen to various spots in Georgia. Training begins in mid September, with troops expected on duty soon after.
These Guard members will handle office work like setting up meetings, gathering fingerprint data, and fixing vehicles. They will not make arrests or carry weapons. This setup lets Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents focus on catching people who entered the country without permission.
The effort is part of a larger plan involving 20 states led by Republican governors. Troops stay under state control but work with federal teams to decide where they go and what they do.
- Alabama
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Georgia
Officials say the timeline could change as they lock in details. The goal is to boost efficiency in dealing with immigration cases.
Governor Kemp’s Stance
Governor Brian Kemp praised the plan and said he is proud to support Trump’s border security work. He noted Georgia has sent Guard troops to the southern border for years, longer than any other state.
Kemp stated this new step builds on past efforts to keep communities safe. He stressed that Georgia will meet all its state duties while helping federally.
In his words, the state has led on border issues and will keep doing so. This comes after Kemp sent troops to the Mexico border in 2021 and 2024 during clashes with the prior administration.
National Scope of the Crackdown
Trump’s team is activating about 1,700 National Guard troops across 19 states to aid the Department of Homeland Security. Texas will see the most troops, with the rollout planned from late August through mid November.
The Pentagon said in July 2025 that this help covers case handling, transport, and office support at detention sites. It aims to put more agents in the field for law enforcement.
This is separate from Trump’s recent Guard use in Washington for crime control. He has talked about expanding to other cities like Chicago, but Atlanta is not on the list yet.
White House officials say the focus is on immigration and crime, not taking over local police. Experts note Trump has more power in the capital, but state cooperation is key elsewhere.
| State | Number of Troops | Main Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Up to 500 | Logistics and transport |
| Georgia | 75 | Administrative support |
| Florida | 150 | Biometric processing |
| Alabama | 100 | Vehicle maintenance |
Reactions from Leaders and Critics
Support came from some Georgia Republicans, like Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte. He backed the move as a way to secure borders and protect people.
On the other side, Democratic state Rep. Derrick Jackson called it a risky overreach. As a military veteran, he said troops should not intimidate citizens or act as police.
Chicago’s mayor raised concerns about possible unrest if troops come there without local okay. He stressed the need for trust between police and residents.
Nationwide, views split along party lines. Supporters see it as needed action against rising immigration issues, while critics worry about rights and military use in civilian matters.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Georgia has a track record of Guard help on immigration. In February 2024, Kemp sent more troops to the border amid policy fights. Earlier in 2021, similar deployments happened.
This fits Trump’s broader 2025 agenda, which includes mass deportations and stricter enforcement. Data shows illegal border crossings dropped 30 percent in early 2025 after new rules, but challenges remain.
Looking ahead, Trump hinted at using the military more if needed for safety. Cities like Savannah have voiced worries, but no expansions are set yet.
Experts say these moves test federal and state powers. With elections looming, immigration stays a hot topic that could shape public opinion.
What do you think about using National Guard for immigration tasks? Share your views in the comments and pass this article to friends for more discussion.
