In a dramatic escalation of his hardline immigration stance, former President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to deploy the National Guard to California for a widespread immigration enforcement operation should he return to the White House.
Unprecedented Military Mobilisation Planned
Sources close to Trump's campaign reveal that the Republican frontrunner is considering activating National Guard troops from Republican-led states to assist in mass arrests of undocumented immigrants across California. This controversial strategy would represent one of the most aggressive uses of military power for domestic immigration enforcement in modern American history.
Targeting Sanctuary Cities
The operation would specifically focus on so-called sanctuary cities like San Francisco and others throughout the Bay Area, where local authorities have limited their cooperation with federal immigration officials. Trump has repeatedly criticised these policies, arguing they undermine federal law and endanger public safety.
Constitutional Questions Raised
Legal experts have raised serious concerns about the proposal's constitutionality, noting that using state National Guard units for federal immigration enforcement in non-compliant states could trigger significant legal challenges. The plan would test the boundaries of presidential power and states' rights.
Building on Previous Administration's Policies
This proposal marks an intensification of Trump's previous immigration efforts. During his first term, his administration implemented travel bans from Muslim-majority countries and separated migrant families at the southern border, though he never deployed the National Guard for mass arrests in Democratic states.
Political Implications for 2024
The revelation comes as Trump positions immigration as a central issue in his 2024 campaign. With California representing both a Democratic stronghold and home to significant immigrant communities, this proposed military intervention would likely provoke fierce opposition from state officials and civil rights groups.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has previously clashed with Trump over immigration policies and would almost certainly challenge any such deployment in court. The stage is set for another dramatic confrontation between federal and state authority if Trump returns to power.
