National Guard seeks authority to make immigration arrests in Arkansas

National Guard seeks authority to make immigration arrests in Arkansas

The Arkansas National Guard has applied for federal authority to make immigration arrests under a controversial enforcement program, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data. ICE’s website shows the Guard’s application for the “task force model” of the 287(g) program is pending as of Aug. 14. If approved, trained Guard members could stop, question and arrest individuals based solely on suspected immigration violations — powers …

Arkansas National Guard requests immigration enforcement authority

Arkansas National Guardsmen and central Arkansas law enforcement officers completed required training on Aug. 2, 2025 at Burns Park. (Courtesy of the Arkansas National Guard)The Arkansas National Guard has asked the federal government for authority to make immigration arrests, data shows. According to ICE’s website, the Arkansas National Guard applied to receive authority under the so-called “task force model” of the 287(g) program. If the Guard…