About 1,700 National Guard troops are set to mobilize across 19 states in the coming weeks, with Texas expected to be most heavily affected, FOX News reported on Friday, citing sources. This deployment aligns with the Trump administration’s nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration and crime, led in part by the Department of Homeland Security.
FOX News noted that documents indicate troop activations will occur in at least 19 states, with operations scheduled from August through November.
“The National Guard soldiers being mobilized will effectively serve as a support pillar to a sweeping federal interagency effort, while also serving as a visible deterrent force,” a U.S. Defense official told the outlet.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump suggested that the crackdown could expand to Chicago, highlighting what he described as uncontrolled violent crime in Washington, D.C., and similar conditions in the Illinois metro area.
“It was horrible, and Mayor Bowser better get her act straight, or she won’t be mayor very long, because we’ll take it over with the federal government, run it like it’s supposed to be run,” Trump told reporters, referring to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Recent statistics, which Trump dismissed, indicate that crime in the U.S. capital has declined since a peak in 2023.
“Chicago is a mess,” Trump added, criticizing its mayor. “And we’ll straighten that one out probably next.”
He also claimed that some of his supporters in Chicago have been urging federal intervention.
“I did great with the Black vote, as you know, and they want something to happen,” he said. “So I think Chicago will be our next, and then we’ll help with New York.”
Here are the states where National Guard troops are being activated:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wyoming
(With inputs from Reuters)
