"In Washington, D.C., where Guard members have been deployed since August, they have largely patrolled the capital's streets and taken part in beautification projects. The U.S. Army said troops had cleared 1,142 bags of trash, spread 1,045 cubic yards of mulch, pruned 400 trees, cleared 7.9 miles of roadway, painted 270 feet of fencing and packaged 6,030 pounds of food as of Oct. 1."
"Meanwhile, in Missouri, a small group of Guard members have been called to assist ICE with "data entry, case management, and logistical support." As for Memphis, the Guard's role has yet to be seen, but the city government described their presence as serving as the "eyes and ears" for local law enforcement."
"While these tasks have drawn attention, military experts say they stray from the Guard's core missions, like aiding those in need during natural disasters and other emergencies. They also worry how these new deployments will affect recruitment and public trust. "It is a misuse of a great instrument," said Retired Maj. Gen. William Enyart, who led the Illinois National Guard from 2007 to 2012. He is also a former Democratic congressman. The National Guard Bureau declined to comment."
President Trump has increasingly deployed the National Guard in his second term to Democratic-led cities to address crime, quell protests and support ICE operations. In Washington, D.C., Guard members have patrolled streets and performed beautification tasks, with the U.S. Army reporting cleared trash, mulch spread, tree pruning, roadway clearing, fence painting and food packaging totals as of Oct. 1. The administration has sought Guard deployments in Oregon and Illinois to safeguard ICE facilities, while Missouri Guard personnel have assisted ICE with data entry, case management and logistical support. Military experts warn these roles diverge from disaster and emergency missions and may harm recruitment and public trust.
Read at www.npr.org
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