Georgia National Guard to support federal ICE agents

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia National Guard troops are getting ready to help federal immigration agents.

The state Department of Defense says they were asked to provide support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and are in the early stages of staffing for that request.

According to the department, using Georgia’s military personnel would enable ICE to dedicate more trained agents to “core law enforcement activities.”

“The department has a long history of partnering with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the department said in a statement.

The news comes as newly released data shows ICE arrests have exploded in Georgia under the Trump administration.

An estimated 4,500 undocumented migrants were arrested in the state between January and July of this year, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In comparison to 2021, in which 960 migrants were arrested, 2025’s current total is more than a 360-percent increase.

Georgia ranks fourth in the nation for total ICE arrests.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE has apprehended more than 4,500 people in Georgia since January. That’s a 367% increase under President Donald Trump compared to this same time period in the first year of the Biden administration.

Alberto Feregrino is the Georgia director of CASA, which is an immigration advocacy group that believes immigrants are being unfairly targeted and treated.

“There’s definitely worry, they’re scared,” Feregrino said. “This is just another escalation and continuing this administration’s plan to terrorize our immigrant communities.”

Atlanta News First confirmed with the Gov. Brian Kemp’s office that the Georgia National Guard is finalizing plans to mobilize approximately 75 soldiers with a mission to provide administrative and logistical support to ICE at several of their facilities across the state. The guard will not conduct law enforcement functions or make arrests.

“When we see every incident of a family being detained and separated, law enforcement is losing the trust in the community,” Feregrino said.

Said Kemp: “I am proud to stand with President Trump’s team in the ongoing efforts to secure our nation’s border and keep Americans safe.”

“It’s really right now in the hands of Trump and his administration. So, we know this is a dangerous path for Georgia,” Feregrino said.

The 75 or so National Guard members will begin training in mid-September and then report to duty shortly thereafter. It’s unclear how long the soldiers will be needed.