Colorado Governor Jared Polis is opposing any efforts by the federal government to activate the state’s National Guard members in support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
“Colorado’s National Guard members play an important role in protecting our state during natural disasters and emergencies at home and abroad,” said a spokesperson for Governor Polis. “The Governor has been clear that he would not support federal overreach to activate the National Guard outside of regular order.”
The pushback comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD) coordinate plans to replace active-duty troops—such as Marines recently deployed to Los Angeles—with National Guard units. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that the agencies are finalizing a partnership that would allow the National Guard to assist in a variety of immigration enforcement activities within the U.S.
“This whole-of-government approach will greatly improve national security, public safety, and DHS’s ability to fulfill its pledge to the American people,” McLaughlin said.
On July 25, the Pentagon confirmed a shift in military support for ICE. Marine Corps and Naval Reserve officers supporting ICE under Title 10 status will return to their home bases, while National Guard personnel will assume their roles under Title 32 status.
Under Title 10, military personnel are activated directly by the president. Under Title 32, National Guard members are mobilized by their state governors but operate under federal funding and presidential direction.
An internal ICE memo and reports by several national outlets revealed that President Trump plans to deploy up to 2,000 National Guard members across 20 states with Republican governors. These troops would provide support services such as transportation, case management, and clerical duties, and may have direct interaction with individuals in ICE custody. The deployments could begin as early as early August.
DHS has not clarified when these deployments will begin or whether Colorado would be included. Since National Guard units typically fall under state authority, it remains uncertain whether the federal government could compel participation from a Democratic governor like Polis.
Governor Polis has consistently expressed concern over the lack of transparency in ICE operations within Colorado and emphasized the need for broader immigration reform.
“Gov. Polis is frustrated by the lack of transparency around ICE’s operations in our state and continues to call on Congress to do their part and pass real immigration reform that secures our border, provides adequate personnel for border and interior enforcement, and does not take advantage of Colorado’s National Guard,” said his spokesperson.
Pentagon officials said National Guard members activated for ICE duties would focus on administrative and logistical tasks at ICE detention facilities, including support for processing detainees. However, the plan remains controversial, especially in states like Colorado, where leaders and immigration advocates say they were not consulted or informed of any such deployments.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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