National Guard troops have been deployed inside Arkansas to police civilians under the guise of immigration enforcement.
This unprecedented action is a dangerous abuse of power that threatens the safety and rights of Arkansans and our communities. The Governor’s use of troops in our communities raises serious constitutional, legal, and human rights concerns.
This is a pivotal moment. We want you to know what’s happening, how to stay safe, and what you can do.
What’s Happening
The Department of Homeland Security has requested 20,000 National Guard troops to support immigration enforcement efforts.
This is the first time in modern history that troops are being used in this way against people living peacefully in our communities.
Why It Matters
This deployment represents a shattering of the long-standing separation between military force and civilian life. The use of troops in domestic immigration enforcement undermines centuries-old laws and constitutional protections — and it puts people in harm’s way.
We are already receiving reports across the country of heavily armed units accompanying immigration enforcement actions near homes, schools, and public spaces. Many arrests are being conducted without warrants, identification, or explanation — sowing fear and chaos.
Military personnel are not trained to enforce civil laws, make arrests, or conduct immigration raids. Their presence heightens the risk of racial profiling, escalation, injury, and rights violations. And under the Constitution, there are strict limits on what troops can and cannot do on U.S. soil.
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Know Your Rights and Share Them
Visit our Know Your Rights for Immigrants in Arkansas page for critical information about what to do if you or someone you know is approached by law enforcement or military personnel. Spanish-language resources are available here. The page includes:
- How to interact with ICE or police
- Safety planning guidance
- Powers of attorney and emergency contact forms
2. Report Activity Safely
We are tracking police and military-supported immigration activity. If you see something, please report it:
- Review our information on How to Identify Law Enforcement and How to Confirm ICE Enforcement Action.
- If safe, document what you see using video and written notes — but never put yourself or others at risk
3. Distribute Resources to Your Network
Share this blog and our Know Your Rights materials widely. Talk to your neighbors, your coworkers, and your congregations. Now is the time for mutual protection.
4. Speak Out Publicly
We need strong community voices condemning this extreme misuse of state and federal power. Sign on to the petition opposing this action and share the petition to oppose this abuse of power in Arkansas and around the nation.
5. Contact Your Elected Officials
Reach out to the President, members of Congress, the Governor, and state legislators to let them know you oppose this abuse of our National Guard and community. Talk with your local officials — your mayor, sheriff, county judge, city council and county quorum court members to let them know you want our government to protect ALL Arkansans. We must denounce this divisive oppression and stand for the rights of all people.
5. If You Hold Power or Privilege, This Is Your Moment to Show Up
Immigrant families and people of color in particular are being targeted based on apparent race or ethnicity or for speaking Spanish or English with an accent. While this affects more than undocumented Arkansans, undocumented immigrant families are now targeted by armed troops for nothing more than seeking safety and opportunity. Many are afraid to speak out, seek help, or even leave their homes. That’s why those with power, visibility, and privilege must use it.
If you are not at risk of detention or deportation — you have a responsibility to act. Whether you're a faith leader, elected official, educator, employer, neighbor, every Arkansan needs to speak out. Condemn this abuse and protect our neighbors. The burden of resistance cannot fall solely on those most at risk. It’s up to all of us to defend each other and our democracy.
6. Support Our Work
We have seen unprecedented attacks on our rights and liberties across the country and here in Arkansas. These threats are real, but so is our power and resilience. We need you to help ensure that Arkansas and America live up to the promises of our Constitution. You can sign up to volunteer and donate to fuel the work as you reach out to your neighbors, networks and elected officials.
What We’re Saying
You may want to echo some of these topline messages in your own posts, conversations, and advocacy:
- This deployment of Arkansas National Guard troops for immigration enforcement is dangerous, unconstitutional, and un-American.
- Troops belong in disaster relief efforts helping Arkansans — not accompanying ICE to terrify, arrest, and separate people who have committed no crime.
- Using soldiers to target immigrant communities is a terrifying abuse of power and sets a horrifying precedent.
- Arkansans should not live in fear that their government will send armed forces into their neighborhood.
- This isn’t about public safety — it’s about fear, control, and stripping away due process.
We Will Keep Fighting
At the ACLU of Arkansas, we are mobilizing legal resources, community partners, and advocacy networks to push back. We are coordinating with national and local allies to protect Arkansans and hold government actors accountable.
We know many are afraid. We are with you. We will not stop working to protect your rights and expose this abuse for what it is.
Please stay connected, stay safe, and stay informed.