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 it was asked to provide support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and is 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% increase.

Georgia ranks fourth in the nation for total ICE arrests.

Alberto Feregrino is the director of organizing in Georgia for CASA, 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 Gov. Brian Kemp’s office that the Georgia National Guard is finalizing plans to mobilize about 75 soldiers, who will provide administrative and logistical support to ICE at several of their facilities across the state.

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

The guard will not conduct law enforcement functions or make arrests. Training begins in mid-September, and they report to duty shortly after.

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