CHEYENNE — Gov. Mark Gordon has approved the activation of Wyoming National Guard personnel to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in order to enable ICE agents to focus more directly on law enforcement operations.

According to a press release, up to 15 Wyoming National Guard members will be assigned to support ICE over the coming months, providing administrative, logistics and transportation support to ICE. Guard personnel will not be directing enforcement operations and will remain under the governor’s command and control while working alongside ICE. The mission is expected to begin within 30 days.

“When asked by our nation, Wyoming responds. Our participation is about putting our resources where they can be of greatest service to the national priority of securing our borders and staunching illegal immigration,” Gov. Gordon said. “By handling essential support work, the Wyoming National Guard enables ICE agents to focus on public safety and national security. Our Guard is our Sword and Shield. Members have always answered the call, and I know they will perform this mission in accordance with their oath and with the professionalism they are known for.”

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.

“The Wyoming National Guard is ready and capable to support our partners when called upon,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are trained to adapt quickly and seamlessly support other state and federal agencies to accomplish their mission.”

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.