Donald Trump has stated that if he is reelected, he would employ the National Guard as part of efforts to remove millions of migrants across the United States. This indicates a reinforcement of his previous stance against immigration, which contributed to his earlier rise to power.
Trump made these remarks during a detailed interview with Time magazine, both in person and over the phone, earlier this month. The article was published online on Tuesday.
He did not specify the exact methods for carrying out these deportation operations or the specific role the National Guard would play.
While he did not rule out using active duty military if necessary, Trump expressed confidence that the National Guard would suffice.
“If I felt things were getting out of control, I would not hesitate to use the military,” he said. “We need safety and law and order in our country. Whichever achieves that, but I believe the National Guard can handle it.”
Historically, U.S. military forces, including the National Guard and active-duty personnel, have supported immigration authorities at the border. However, deploying them directly to assist in deporting migrants, especially within the country’s interior, would represent a significant escalation and could face legal challenges.