Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has reversed his position on the use of the state’s National Guard to assist in mass deportations, signaling strong support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Just 48 hours after expressing uncertainty about the role of the National Guard in deportation efforts, Lombardo joined 25 other Republican governors in signing a letter backing Trump’s stance on illegal immigration.
The letter, released by the Republican Governors Association (RGA) on Wednesday, emphasizes the governors’ commitment to supporting Trump’s agenda to address illegal immigration and deport individuals deemed a threat to national security. It states: “We stand ready to utilize every tool at our disposal—whether through state law enforcement or the National Guard.”
However, Lombardo’s earlier comments suggested a more cautious approach. At a meeting of the Western Governors’ Association on Monday, Lombardo had stated that it was “too soon to opine” on whether Nevada’s National Guard should be involved in mass deportations. He expressed concerns over the details of such a mission, stating that the state needed to assess the priority of its National Guard’s role, either within Nevada or in support of federal efforts.
The Nevada Current reached out to Lombardo’s office for clarification on his shift in stance, but received no immediate response.
The letter signed by Lombardo and other Republican governors expresses unwavering support for Trump’s commitment to deporting illegal immigrants. It concludes with a pledge to “defend the American people, uphold the rule of law, and ensure our nation remains safe and secure.”
The American Immigration Council has warned that a mass deportation operation in Nevada could have severe economic consequences. The state is home to around 136,000 undocumented workers, representing 9% of the workforce—the highest proportion in the nation. Deportations would likely lead to a significant loss of skilled labor, particularly in construction, hospitality, and landscaping. According to the AIC, such an operation could cost the U.S. economy up to $315 billion, with an additional $167.8 billion for detaining immigrants.
Despite these concerns, Trump has stated that there is “no price tag” for mass deportations, emphasizing that his administration will have “no choice” but to carry them out if necessary.
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