Texas National Guard Deputized for Immigration Arrests Under Trump-Abbott Deal

Texas has made a significant advancement in immigration enforcement, as National Guard soldiers are now permitted to arrest, detain, and assist in the deportation of undocumented migrants following a new agreement between Governor Greg Abbott and the Trump administration. The agreement, initially disclosed by Breitbart Texas, mandates that all arrests occur under the oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, with communication being facilitated through phone, radio, or other technological means.

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Abbott praised the agreement as a major enhancement to border security, highlighting Texas' dedication to supporting President Donald Trump’s initiative for mass deportations. “This enhances personnel for border security,” Abbott remarked in a Sunday post.

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The Texas Military Department directed inquiries regarding the policy to Abbott’s office, and CBP has not yet made a public statement. The agreement arrives in the context of a significant decrease in illegal border crossings following the record levels observed in December 2023.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton commended the action on social media, asserting that Texas is at the forefront of securing the border and ensuring that “criminal aliens face the justice they deserve.”

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Critics contend that the agreement exceeds the traditional role of the National Guard and may result in legal disputes regarding state authority in federal immigration enforcement. Protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles in response to Trump’s expanded deportation efforts, signaling growing national tensions over immigration policies.

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