Georgia Mobilizes 316 National Guard Members to Support DC Operations

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced on Friday that he will deploy 316 members of the state’s National Guard to Washington, D.C., later this month. This move underscores the ongoing law enforcement efforts led by President Donald Trump in the nation’s capital. The troops are set to mobilize in mid-September to support federal law enforcement operations aimed at addressing crime, homelessness, and illegal immigration.

In a statement, Kemp expressed pride in standing alongside the Trump administration, stating, “Georgia is proud to stand with the Trump administration in its mission to ensure the security and beauty of our nation’s capital.” The deployment comes as Trump initially called up 800 members of the District of Columbia National Guard to assist local police in their crackdown on crime.

Kemp’s decision to send troops is part of a broader trend, as seven other Republican-led states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia, have also dispatched National Guard members to D.C. The Georgia contingent may be armed and will assist law enforcement in various capacities.

Earlier this week, Kemp sent 16 soldiers to Washington in support roles that do not involve direct policing. This aligns with Trump’s recent takeover of the district’s local police department and the deployment of the National Guard, which the President has stated is essential to combat crime in the area. The D.C. National Guard’s orders have also been extended through December, indicating that their presence will continue for the foreseeable future.

In response to these developments, the District of Columbia has challenged Trump’s use of the National Guard in a federal lawsuit. District Attorney General Brian Schwalb argues that the deployment, now involving over 1,000 troops, represents an illegal use of military force for domestic law enforcement. He stated, “No American jurisdiction should be involuntarily subjected to military occupation.”

The White House maintains that deploying the National Guard to protect federal assets and assist law enforcement falls within the President’s authority. Additionally, Kemp had previously announced plans to mobilize 75 Georgia National Guard soldiers and airmen to provide administrative and logistical support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at various locations in Georgia. These soldiers will not engage in law enforcement activities or make arrests.

Kemp, who currently chairs the Republican Governors Association, has a history of sending Georgia Guard members to the Mexican border in Texas to support border enforcement initiatives. This latest deployment reflects ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement practices and military involvement in civil matters across the United States.