**DHS Requests 20,000 National Guard Troops for Immigration Enforcement**

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested the deployment of 20,000 National Guard troops to aid in a comprehensive immigration enforcement effort, according to a memo obtained by NPR. The memo, dated May 9, delineates specific duties for these troops, including night operations, rural interdiction, and tasks within detention facilities such as guard duty and riot control.

DHS's plan outlines the need for 3,500 National Guard personnel to focus on locating fugitives. Furthermore, 2,500 guardsmen will be allocated for detention support activities. An even larger contingent, comprising up to 10,000 troops, will be dedicated to transportation support, including the interstate transport of detainees and unaccompanied children. Additionally, about 1,000 troops are designated for document translation and interview assistance.

Assistant Secretary of DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, emphasized the importance of this deployment in a statement to NPR, noting the President's directive to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens. She highlighted the types of criminals targeted in this initiative, such as gang members, murderers, and pedophiles, and underscored the priority of American citizens' safety.

The proposal marks a significant shift, as it would be the first instance of the National Guard being used to enforce an immigration crackdown within the U.S. At a recent Senate hearing, Sen. Jack Reed, a ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, acknowledged the novelty of this request. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll affirmed the Army's preparation to support this initiative but mentioned that details regarding specific duties and legal concerns, including interstate troop deployment, remain unresolved.

Pentagon officials, in collaboration with various state governors, are in the process of deciding troop allocations, which are expected predominantly from Republican-led states. Although deployment could start as early as next month, the Pentagon has yet to approve the DHS request officially. Moreover, some U.S. officials disclosed that DHS plans significant operations within sanctuary cities.

The interaction between DHS and Pentagon continues as they work through legal questions and operational logistics to potentially execute this unprecedented deployment of National Guard troops for domestic immigration enforcement.