Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Deploys Arkansas National Guard to Support ICE Operations

Little Rock, September 10, 2025 — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its enforcement operations, marking one of the most aggressive state-level moves yet to bolster federal immigration efforts.

The governor announced the decision during a press conference at the state capitol, framing it as a necessary step to “restore law and order” amid what she described as a “border crisis spilling into every state.”

“Arkansas will not sit on the sidelines while dangerous individuals are allowed to break our laws,” Sanders said. “Our National Guard will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ICE to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.”

The deployment will consist of 80 Guard members tasked with providing logistical, intelligence, and transportation support to ICE field offices operating across the South. While they will not have arrest authority, state officials say their presence will allow ICE agents to focus more directly on enforcement.

Immigrant rights groups quickly condemned the move, calling it a political stunt that risks undermining community trust. “This sends a chilling message to immigrant families across Arkansas,” said Maria Torres, director of the nonprofit Justice for All. “Our state resources should not be used to intimidate and divide.”

The Biden administration has not formally commented on the deployment, but legal experts note that while governors may direct state Guard units, their use in federal immigration enforcement is rare and could invite legal challenges.

Still, Sanders, a Republican widely seen as a rising figure in national politics, doubled down on her decision. “Arkansas will always choose safety and sovereignty over chaos,” she declared.

The National Guard is expected to begin its coordinated work with ICE as early as next week.