President-Elect Trump recently confirmed his intention to declare illegal immigration a national emergency and deploy military assets to address the crisis—a move that has garnered significant attention and controversy. While critics decry this plan as unprecedented, it is both necessary and in line with his campaign promises. Moreover, it reflects the will of the electorate: in the 2024 exit polls, immigration ranked as a top three issue guiding voters’ choices. Fifty-three percent trusted Trump more to handle this issue, underscoring the mandate for decisive action.

The immigration system’s challenges are not new, but they have reached a breaking point. With an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants currently in the U.S., and local law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stretched to capacity, the need for an effective, rapid response is undeniable. This year, recruitment and retention issues in law enforcement have only exacerbated the strain: 78% of agencies report difficulties recruiting qualified personnel, while 65% struggle with retention. In this context, Title 32 deployment of the National Guard offers a practical solution to fill critical gaps without compromising civil liberties or overburdening local resources.

Why Title 32 Makes Sense

Under Title 32 authority, National Guard units remain under state control but are federally funded, allowing them to support immigration enforcement in non-law enforcement roles. This approach has several key benefits:

  • Enhanced Capacity: National Guard troops can manage surveillance, intelligence gathering, transportation, and detention facility operations, freeing DHS and local law enforcement to focus on apprehending and processing high-priority deportation cases.
  • Community Trust: By limiting the Guard’s role to supportive tasks, local police and federal agencies maintain their relationships with communities, critical to public safety and cooperation.
  • Operational Flexibility: The Guard’s ability to deploy rapidly ensures resources can meet surges in demand, especially in border states or areas facing acute challenges.

Addressing the Crisis Head-On

Critics argue that using military assets for deportation is a step too far, but this is hand-wringing at best and a refusal to acknowledge reality at worst. The immigration crisis has already created dangerous gaps in public safety. In Colorado, Venezuelan gangs recently took over apartment buildings, exploiting an overwhelmed enforcement system. Meanwhile, the financial cost of managing unauthorized immigration has diverted critical resources: FEMA faced budget shortfalls post-Hurricane Helene, hampering aid for Americans in distress.

This is precisely why a decisive, well-coordinated approach is required. The President-Elect’s endorsement of military support aligns with his campaign rhetoric and should surprise no one. It reflects the urgency of the situation, not a departure from democratic norms. National Guard involvement under Title 32 ensures that deportations are conducted effectively and humanely while restoring capacity to law enforcement agencies strained to their limits.

Moving Forward with a Plan of Action

To ensure success, the implementation must follow clear guidelines:

  1. Focused Enforcement: Deportations should prioritize individuals with criminal convictions or those who pose a security threat.
  2. Supportive Roles Only: The Guard should not engage in direct enforcement but focus on logistics, surveillance, and administrative support.
  3. Training and Oversight: Guardsmen must receive training on immigration law and civil rights to uphold humane standards.
  4. Transparency: The administration should engage with stakeholders to build public confidence and address concerns.

Respecting the Mandate

The public’s demand for solutions is clear. Trump’s decisive win among voters who prioritized immigration signals a broad appetite for action, not hesitation. This deployment strategy bridges the gap between law enforcement shortages and the need for rapid intervention while maintaining the values of fairness and dignity. Critics’ pearl-clutching over these plans serves only to delay solutions to a crisis that has real, human consequences—for both immigrants and Americans.

As the President-Elect prepares to implement these measures, we should embrace a pragmatic approach that maximizes resources while respecting constitutional and ethical boundaries. Title 32 deployment of the National Guard is a vital part of the solution, offering a clear path to restore order, enforce laws, and maintain public trust. The voters demanded decisive action; it’s time they get it.