Army National Guard troops from Arkansas are set to travel to Washington, D.C., following the Thanksgiving holiday, as announced by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “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 stated in a release. She emphasized that the troops will “show the same skill and discipline that makes them such valuable public servants” and aim to restore “law and order” in Washington, D.C.
The soldiers will conduct security presence patrols and provide law enforcement support in designated areas, according to the statement. Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, adjutant general of Arkansas, highlighted the 100 troops’ “exceptional training, discipline, and professionalism,” noting their readiness to integrate with the D.C. National Guard. Over 2,300 National Guard members are currently stationed in D.C., part of President Donald Trump’s directive to assist local and federal law enforcement in combating crime. The deployment has been extended through February 2026, as per a Department of Justice court notice.
A federal judge recently heard arguments over the removal of National Guard members from Washington streets, though no immediate ruling was issued.
