Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday authorized the state’s National Guard to aid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by “providing administrative, logistics and transportation support.”
“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.”
He added: “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.”
According to the governor’s office, the Guard mission will include up to 15 members who “will not be directing enforcement operations” and still be under his command.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has given federal authorization for up to 1,700 Guard members in 20 states to aid ICE.
“The Wyoming National Guard is ready and capable to support our partners when called upon,” Wyoming National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Greg Porter said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are trained to adapt quickly and seamlessly support other state and federal agencies to accomplish their mission.”
Last week, two illegal immigrants were sentenced for trafficking drugs from Denver into Wyoming and possessing firearms. The pair were apprehended in February following an investigation by state and local law enforcement, ICE and the FBI.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming said Oscar Espinoza-Duarte, a 32-year-old from Mexico, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm, while German Ortiz-Esparza, 35, was sentenced to 120 months in prison.
Wyoming’s authorization of its national guard comes days after President Donald Trump ordered the District of Columbia National Guard “to address the epidemic of crime” in the nation’s capital.
“Just like I took care of the Border, where you had ZERO Illegals coming across last month, from millions the year before, I will take care of our cherished Capital, and we will make it, truly, GREAT AGAIN!” the president said. “Before the tents, squalor, filth, and Crime, it was the most beautiful Capital in the World. It will soon be that again.”
