BOISE, Idaho – Idaho is joining other Republican-led states, authorizing National Guard resources to support the efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE.
Governor Brad Little announced the move Friday, saying the Idaho National Guard will provide “administrative and clerical support” so that ICE could dedicate more resources to enforcement.
“As Commander in Chief, I am proud that the Idaho National Guard always stands ready to support our federal partners in any capacity that strengthens public safety and national security,” Gov. Little said in a news release. “Our guardsmen are trained, disciplined, and committed to serving the people of Idaho and the nation.”
Idaho is one of 20 states authorized up to 1,700 guardsmen to support ICE, responding to a Trump administration directive.
Gov. Little’s authorization activates up to 14 guard personnel.
Critics of the use of guard personnel for this purpose worry that it’s government overreach or downright illegal.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson previously expressed concerns when President Trump authorized the National Guard to respond to ICE protests in California.
“It’s deeply disturbing,” Gov. Ferguson said in June. “He’s escalating the situation, it’s resulting in more violence because of the president’s calling in the National Guard over the governor’s objection, and that’s exactly what Donald Trump wants.”
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