News – Sheridan Media
Up to 15 Wyoming National Guard members will provide administrative, logistical and transportation support to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A media release from Governor Mark Gordon’s Office confirmed that the Governor has approved activation of Wyoming Guard personnel to assist ICE, allowing agents with ICE to focus more directly on law enforcement operations.
The Governor’s release states that guard personnel will not be directing enforcement operations and will remain under Gordon’s command and control while working alongside ICE. The Guard mission is expected to begin within 30 days. The federal authorization for the mission came from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who notified the National Guard Bureau that up to 1,700 Guard members across 20 states could be activated for ICE support under Title 32, Section 502(f) of the U.S. Code.
Domestically, the Wyoming National Guard routinely aids local, state, and federal partners, including medical evacuation, flood and fire response efforts, search and rescue, counter-drug operations, security and other valuable missions. This support to ICE continues our tradition of interagency cooperation in service to our state and others as well as the nation.
ACLU of Wyoming’s Response to the Governor’s announcement:
ACLU of Wyoming Executive Director Libby Skarin said that “the ACLU of Wyoming opposes the use of military forces for domestic immigration enforcement. Deploying the Wyoming National Guard blurs the line between the military and civilian law enforcement and raises serious concerns about potential abuses of power.
“Govornor Gordon’s assertions that this authorization is in pursuit of public safety strains credulity and is at odds with what’s happening on the ground and what data shows. Recent reports have shown that most of the people detained by ICE in Wyoming over the last year do not have any criminal record. In addition, the fear among immigrants and their loved ones across Wyoming is palpable.
We’ve seen this fear lead to empty outdoor concerts, families going without groceries and valuable employees being too terrified to show up to work. Heightening this fear by mobilizing the National Guard will continue to drain resources and contribute to even more devastation in our communities.
“It’s shameful that Governor Gordon is willing to waste Wyoming tax dollars knowing the result will terrorize local communities. The oath he swore was to represent the interests of Wyomingites – all Wyomingites, including immigrants.”
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Last modified: August 14, 2025