Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wednesday he’s activating up to 15 members of the Wyoming National Guard to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) boosted efforts to enforce federal immigration laws.
In a press release, the governor’s office said the guard members will provide “administrative, logistics and transportation support to ICE” over the coming months.
“Guard personnel will not be directing enforcement operations and will remain under the Governor’s command and control while working alongside ICE. The Guard mission is expected to begin within 30 days,” the release said.
The move comes after U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth notified the National Guard Bureau that up to 1,700 Guard members across 20 states could be activated for ICE support under Title 32, Section 502(f) of the U.S. Code.
“When asked by our nation, Wyoming responds. Our participation is about putting our resources where they can be of greatest service to the national priority of securing our borders and staunching illegal immigration,” Gordon said in a statement. “By handling essential support work, the Wyoming National Guard enables ICE agents to focus on public safety and national security. Our Guard is our Sword and Shield. Members have always answered the call, and I know they will perform this mission in accordance with their oath and with the professionalism they are known for.”
This marks the first time the Wyoming National Guard has supported immigration operations within the state, according to Wyoming National Guard spokesperson Joseph Coslett. Coslett said more than two decades ago, soldiers from the 133rd Engineer Company contributed to construction projects at the southern border
