President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to declare a national emergency upon taking office and deploy military forces to assist with his plan to round up and deport millions of undocumented migrants.
Experts have raised concerns about the potential impact of such a policy, citing the vital role immigrants play in the U.S. economy. A large-scale deportation could harm industries such as food production, housing construction, and other key sectors. Additionally, the trauma caused by separating families is another major issue highlighted by scholars.
However, as someone who has studied U.S. domestic militias for over 15 years, I have a particular concern about the possibility that some militia groups may see it as their duty to support these deportation efforts. In fact, local police forces may even deputize militias to help carry out deportations.
Militias and Their Complex Relationship with the Government
Militias are generally distrustful of the government, often viewing it as corrupt and overreaching. Many militia members believe the government takes too much of their income through taxes and grows too powerful. However, despite their anti-government stance, some militia units may be drawn to the idea of assisting in national defense—particularly if they believe that deporting undocumented migrants is part of protecting the nation.
My research shows that many militia members hold the false belief that undocumented migrants pose a serious threat to public safety. For some, this perception is rooted in xenophobia and racism. Others misunderstand the legal process for immigration, wrongly assuming that anyone entering the country illegally is automatically a criminal. This belief overlooks the fact that migrants can seek asylum for up to a year after entering the U.S.
Militias are also motivated by the belief that undocumented migrants take jobs from U.S. citizens and receive unearned benefits. Trump’s promises to crack down on immigration align with these views and appeal to militia members.
Militias and the National Defense Mission
Militia groups also view national defense as one of the few legitimate functions of the federal government, as outlined by the U.S. Constitution. For those who see migrants as a threat, the idea of involving the military in deportation efforts may seem consistent with their belief in defending the nation.
Most experts agree, however, that the use of the military for domestic law enforcement, even if legally justified, would pose a significant risk to democracy.
Militia Participation in Border Enforcement
Some militia groups, particularly in border states, have already been involved in deportation efforts for years. These militias often patrol the border, detaining migrants and alerting U.S. Border Patrol agents about their findings. While Border Patrol agents have raised concerns about the credibility and motivations of these civilian groups, local police forces have shown increasing openness to collaboration with militias in immigration enforcement.
In some areas, local law enforcement, especially county sheriffs, have requested militia assistance with perceived immigration problems. Additionally, certain police agencies have held anti-immigration events alongside militia groups, effectively deputizing them to assist in patrols and deportation activities.
Trump’s Rhetoric and Militia Involvement
Donald Trump has made direct appeals to militia groups in the past. One of the most notable examples was during a 2020 presidential debate, when he told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” a phrase that many interpreted as a call to arms. Trump has also sought to build support within militia circles, such as when he pardoned the men involved in the 2016 Bundy standoff in Oregon—a move that was seen as an overture to these groups.
In 2024, Trump’s rhetoric may continue to encourage vigilante action, especially if he refuses to moderate his stance on immigration. In such a scenario, his hard-line policies could embolden militia members and others to take matters into their own hands, potentially escalating tensions at the border.
The Risks of Militarization and Vigilantism
In early 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the state’s National Guard to block U.S. Border Patrol from operating in parts of the border. This action highlighted the increasing involvement of military forces in immigration enforcement. As Trump’s second term progresses, there may be further risks of militarizing the response to immigration.
In November 2024, two militia members were convicted of conspiring to murder federal agents. They believed that Border Patrol agents were not doing enough to protect the border from illegal immigration. Such incidents illustrate the growing threat posed by militant groups when encouraged by political leaders.
Diverse Opinions within Militias
Not all militia members support the use of military forces for mass deportation. Some, like one militia member who spoke to me during my research, argue that the military and law enforcement should remain separate, fearing that blending the two would set a dangerous precedent. This view is shared by some members who believe that while undocumented migrants may be a threat, using military forces against them would be even more harmful.
While not all militias support the use of force in deportations, the growing alliance between political leaders and militia groups could make such a scenario more likely, with significant risks for both democracy and national security.
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