Following trend of other GOP governors, Sanders deploys National Guard to DC

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Monday (Nov. 3) announced she was deploying approximately 100 Arkansas Army National Guard Soldiers to Washington, D.C., to support the D.C. National Guard’s ongoing civil security operations.

The soldiers are from the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade. They will assemble at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center in Barling in the coming weeks to complete administrative processing, medical and dental readiness screening, pre-mobilization training, and mission-specific preparation.

Following the Thanksgiving holidays, they will move to the National Capital Region. The mission is projected to last several months.

“Arkansas’ Guardsmen are there when we need them — whether it’s to deploy overseas, help secure the Southern Border, respond to a natural disaster, or keep our nation’s capital safe,” Sanders said. “I have no doubt that in this mission, they will show the same skill and discipline that makes them such valuable public servants and will help bring law and order back to the streets of Washington, D.C. I am thankful to the Guardsmen and their families, and to President (Donald) Trump for cleaning up crime.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas derided the decision.

“Arkansans are proud of those who serve our communities with honor and integrity,” a statement from the organization noted. “But using our National Guard troops to advance political theater under the guise of ‘law and order’ is deeply troubling. Deploying Arkansas soldiers to police the streets of our nation’s capital — especially when framed in partisan and inflammatory terms — raises serious questions about civil liberties, public safety, and the politicization of military resources.”

“The National Guard exists to support and protect communities — not to serve as a political tool,” the statement continued. “The governor’s statements thanking President Trump and invoking ‘cleaning up crime’ echo the phony rhetoric that has too often justified over-policing and civil rights abuses, particularly in Black and Brown communities.”

Sanders’ statement said the cost of the deployment would be federally funded, despite the government shutdown. She said it was part of a “routine” rotational relief of units.

“I am proud of our soldiers and their continued commitment to serve when called,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Adjutant General of Arkansas. “These guardsmen bring exceptional training, discipline, and professionalism. They will be well-prepared and ready to integrate with the D.C. National Guard and accomplish the mission. The Arkansas National Guard stands ready to serve our state and our nation when called — at home, across the country, and overseas.”

The ACLU did not indicate it planned to file litigation over the move.

“We should not be subjecting members of the Arkansas National Guard to this unprecedented action attempting to strip D.C. leaders of the ability to make decisions about local law enforcement,” the ACLU said. “At a time when so many Arkansas families are struggling with food insecurity, rising costs, and underfunded public services, our leaders should be focused on meeting needs here at home — not sending resources away for political spectacle. The people of Arkansas deserve real investments in safety, stability, and opportunity — not distractions from the challenges our communities face every day.”