Iowa, Tennessee Guard Units Set to Aid ICE

Iowa and Tennessee are preparing to deploy National Guard units to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with administrative and logistical support for President Trump's deportation initiatives, following requests from the Department of Homeland Security. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee confirmed the Guard's involvement under Title 32 status, focusing on clerical duties such as data entry and case management at ICE facilities, with an emphasis on supporting the removal of violent offenders. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said the Iowa National Guard is prepared to assist with logistics and processing, though deployment specifics and numbers remain pending and no final agreement has been reached. Both governors stated the missions would not involve direct enforcement and that federal funding would cover the costs. Immigrant rights groups in Iowa criticized the moves, citing civil liberties concerns. Nationwide, about 1,700 National Guard troops are serving in similar support roles for ICE.