RICHMOND, Va. –
The Virginia National Guard mobilized approximately 40 Soldiers and Airmen Sept. 15, 2025, with a mission to provide administrative and logistics support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at locations across the state.
After two days of in-processing and training, the troops reported for duty at ICE field offices to start their support, and the mission is expected to continue through Nov. 15. Additional personnel are scheduled to mobilize later this month, up to a maximum of 60 people. The Soldiers and Airmen are assigned to units across Virginia.
VNG personnel will not conduct law enforcement functions, and VNG support will not include making arrests.
VNG planners worked in direct coordination with ICE officials in Virginia to develop a support plan and implementation timeline based on the specific needs of ICE operations in Virginia.
Administrative and logistics support tasks could include, but are not limited to, answering phones, data entry, appointment scheduling, biometric collection, performing basic vehicle maintenance and tracking fleet expenses and utilization.
VNG Soldiers and Airmen will report directly to ICE leadership at their assigned duty locations but remain under the control and direction of the Governor of Virginia and Adjutant General of Virginia.
The Department of Defense announced July 25, 2025, the duty status of military personnel supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its immigration law enforcement mission would transition from Title 10 to Title 32 status. Under Title 32, Section 502(f) of the U.S. Code, National Guard personnel will provide support to ICE in a federally funded and regulated status while remaining under the command and control of their respective state Governors.
Read the full DOD release at https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4256444/statement-by-chief-pentagon-spokesman-sean-parnell-on-dod-personnel-support-to/.
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