Maryville, TN — Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee, alongside 26 other Republican governors, has pledged his full support for President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to address illegal immigration, including potentially using the National Guard for mass deportations. The group’s statement, issued on December 11, comes as Trump’s controversial immigration policies take shape, with local law enforcement and state resources being considered to assist federal deportation efforts.
In the joint statement, the governors expressed their commitment to assisting in Trump’s plan to “make America safe again” by addressing what they described as an illegal immigration crisis. They emphasized their readiness to use all available tools at the state level, including law enforcement and National Guard troops, to support the federal government in removing individuals deemed threats to national security and public safety.
“We stand united in support of President Donald Trump’s unwavering commitment to make America safe again by addressing the illegal immigration crisis and deporting illegal immigrants who pose a threat to our communities and national security,” the statement reads. “We stand ready to utilize every tool at our disposal—whether through state law enforcement or the National Guard—to support President Trump in this vital mission.”
When asked about his potential involvement in the mass deportations, Gov. Lee did not directly commit to using the National Guard. However, he made it clear that he fully supports President Trump’s immigration policies and the president’s right to follow through on his promises.
“President Trump was elected based on the ideas he put forth, and the people clearly believed his ideas were good ones and therefore gave him a very strong message, primarily by electing him,” Gov. Lee told reporters on December 9. “I agree with his policies, but most importantly I agree that he should, because he has been elected, he should follow through with what he promised he would do for the American people.”
Lee added that Tennessee would be ready to participate in whatever strategies the federal government deems necessary, though he deferred final judgment on the specifics of Trump’s plans until they are clearer.
According to Ira Mehlman, media director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), local and state law enforcement agencies, including the National Guard, could be crucial in supporting mass deportation efforts. Mehlman suggested that the National Guard could assist in tasks such as supervising detainees awaiting deportation or taking on other logistical roles to free up resources for the Department of Homeland Security.
“We believe that there are all sorts of roles that state and local authorities could play,” Mehlman said. “The National Guard could help supervise individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting deportation. This would allow federal agencies to focus their resources on the most critical tasks.”
While the proposal has strong backing from many Republican leaders, it has also drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights organizations. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) condemned the idea of deploying the National Guard for mass deportations, arguing that such actions would not only harm families but would also be detrimental to the state’s economy.
Luis Mata, communications coordinator for TIRRC, called the move a “moral and economic disaster” for Tennessee. “Mass deportations are a waste of state resources,” Mata said. “These resources could be better spent on improving access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education for all Tennessee families, regardless of their immigration status.”
The organization also pointed to studies showing that immigrants—many of whom work in low-wage, essential jobs—contribute significantly to the state’s economy and workforce.
Governor Lee has previously activated the Tennessee National Guard for border-related security efforts. In 2021, he deployed 300 guardsmen to the southern border in response to increased illegal immigration. Additional waves of Tennessee National Guard troops were sent to the border in 2023, and more recently, in March 2024, to assist with border security operations.
While Governor Lee’s support for Trump’s immigration agenda is clear, the specifics of how Tennessee will contribute to the president’s mass deportation plan remain to be seen. Governor Lee’s office did not provide further comment beyond his earlier statements in December.
As the Biden administration prepares to take office, the clash between federal and state priorities on immigration promises to remain a contentious issue across the country, with Tennessee’s leadership poised to play a key role in shaping the debate.
