On Wednesday, April 4, President Trump signed a memorandum ordering the National Guard to the US-Mexico border, stating “the security of the United States is imperiled by a drastic surge of illegal activity on the southern border.” The Department of Defense authorized up to 4,000 National Guard troops, who will be under the command and control of their respective state governors. The National Guard will not help apprehend migrants, but rather focus on providing logistical support and surveillance.
Both Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush previously deployed National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border during their presidencies. In 2006, President Bush sent 6,000 National Guard troops. President Obama further deployed 1,200 National Guard troops in 2010, as well as active-dutysoldiers in 2012.