President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure state National Guard units are equipped to assist law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety. The order also proposes the creation of a “standing National Guard quick reaction force” deployable across the country.
The executive order mandates the creation of a national online portal for Americans with law enforcement or related experience. Agency heads are then directed to deputize members of this unit to enforce federal law. Civil rights lawyer Alec Karakatsanis described the portal as a means to allow individuals to join soldiers, expressing concern over its potential implications. An internal memo previously discussed the creation of a “quick reaction force” of 600 National Guard troops on standby to deploy to American cities facing unrest.
Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, stated the executive order represents a dangerous expansion of Trump’s power. Critics argue the order undermines constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly, and violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of the military for domestic law enforcement.
During his second term, Trump has maintained friendly relations with far-right militia groups. He pardoned numerous individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection, including members of the Proud Boys. The leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, and the leader of the Oath Keepers, Stewart Rhodes, have suggested their groups could assist Trump in seeking retribution against his perceived enemies. The Oath Keepers previously used the term “quick reaction force” to describe efforts to transfer weapons to Washington, D.C., in preparation for the January 6 events.
The Trump administration recently eliminated degree requirements and lowered the minimum age for new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits, offering a $50,000 signing bonus and student loan relief. Technology reporter Ali Breland noted that Proud Boys members expressed enthusiasm for these government career opportunities. Research from the Cato Institute indicates that one in five people arrested by ICE have been Latinos with no prior criminal record or removal orders, raising concerns about illegal profiling.
Since Trump took control of law enforcement in Washington, D.C., observers have documented numerous civil rights violations. Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homeless Law Center described a scene with frequent police checkpoints and reports of ICE detentions. Karakatsanis warned that the executive order creates a system where individuals can sign up to “brutalize” vulnerable populations.
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