Unprecedented Use of National Guard for Urban Crime-Fighting Stirs Controversy

Strategic Insights -

The unprecedented deployment of National Guard troops by President Donald Trump in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., has raised eyebrows among experts and has sparked concerns about the potential consequences of such a move. Former Illinois National Guard adjutant general David Harris, who is now the state Department of Revenue director, emphasized that the president's authority to call out the National Guard is not absolute and that there are significant differences between the two statuses under which the Guard operates.

The National Guard can be deployed under two different titles: Title 10, which allows the president to activate the Guard for active military duty, and Title 32, which is the more typical scenario where a state's governor commands the force. Harris explained that under Title 10, the Guard can be deployed for domestic emergencies such as rebellions or to protect federal property and enforce federal law. However, this would require coordination with local law enforcement and would likely involve armed troops.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former Illinois National Guard adjutant general David Harris said it is "extremely unusual" for a president to call up National Guard troops for an urban crime-fighting mission.
  • President Trump deployed National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles in June and Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11, promising to reduce violence amid opposition by local leaders.
  • Harris noted that the governor normally makes the request to the president to activate the Guard, but in this case, Trump ignored the governor and activated the Guard himself.
  • Under Title 10, the Guard can be deployed for domestic emergencies such as rebellions or to protect federal property and enforce federal law.
  • Harris emphasized that the Guard would be deployed for active military duty, which would require coordination with local law enforcement and could involve armed troops.
  • Harris expressed concern about the potential consequences of deploying troops to Chicago, citing the adjutancy of many police officers and the potential risk of misunderstandings about who is in charge.
  • Harris also noted that the deployment of the Guard would require the establishment of a clear mission and chain of command.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 National Guardsmen were deployed to Los Angeles on June 7 to deter "lawlessness."
  • President Trump has warned for days that Chicago could be next to receive National Guard troops.
  • Harris explained that under Title 32, the Guard can be called on for state active duty to respond to natural disasters such as floods, fires, or blizzards.

Sources:

  • Former Illinois National Guard adjutant general David Harris, current state Department of Revenue director
  • [No external sources mentioned]