Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions
6/7/2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Address violent protests and disorder threatening the enforcement of federal immigration laws and the protection of ICE personnel and other U.S. Government functions.
- Authority & Scope: Invoke presidential authority to deploy federal service members to secure federal immigration detention facilities and other federal properties from protests and violence.
- Deployment of National Guard: Call into Federal service at least 2,000 National Guard personnel under 10 U.S.C. 12406 for a duration of 60 days or as determined by the Secretary of Defense.
- Augmentation with Regular Forces: Allow the Secretary of Defense to employ additional regular Armed Forces to support the protection efforts as necessary.
- Coordination & Consultation: Direct coordination with State Governors and the National Guard Bureau, and require consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security prior to withdrawing forces.
- Delegation of Authority: Permit the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to delegate the conferred authorities to subordinate officials.
Risks & Considerations
- The deployment of National Guard units to protect Federal immigration functions and properties may lead to increased tensions and potential conflicts in areas where protests are occurring. This could impact the safety and security of students and staff at Vanderbilt University, particularly those involved in immigration-related research or advocacy.
- There is a risk that heightened security measures and military presence could create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation, potentially affecting the university’s ability to foster an open and inclusive environment for all students, including international students and those from immigrant backgrounds.
- The memorandum’s focus on protecting Federal immigration enforcement could lead to increased scrutiny and potential legal challenges for universities, including Vanderbilt, that have policies or practices perceived as non-compliant with Federal immigration laws.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of this memorandum on its partnerships with Federal agencies, particularly those related to research and funding, as well as its policies on student and staff safety and security.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services may need to provide additional support and resources to international students who may feel threatened or uncertain due to the increased enforcement of Federal immigration laws.
- The Vanderbilt Law School could see increased demand for expertise and research on immigration law and policy, as well as potential opportunities for advocacy and legal support for affected individuals and communities.
- Vanderbilt’s Public Safety Department may need to coordinate with local and Federal law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of the campus community, particularly in light of potential protests or demonstrations.
Financial Impact
- The increased focus on Federal immigration enforcement and security measures could lead to changes in Federal funding priorities, potentially affecting research grants and other financial support for programs related to immigration and international studies at Vanderbilt.
- Vanderbilt University may need to allocate additional resources to support the safety and well-being of its international students and staff, as well as to address any legal or compliance issues that arise from the memorandum’s directives.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and initiatives related to immigration policy, law enforcement, and national security, particularly through collaborations with Federal agencies.
Relevance Score: 4 (The memorandum presents high risks involving security and potential major transformations of university policies and programs.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the deployment of National Guard personnel and any potential impacts on university operations, particularly if protests or related activities occur near campus or affiliated facilities.
- Vanderbilt’s Public Safety Department should review and update emergency response plans to ensure preparedness for any potential disruptions or security concerns that may arise from increased military presence or civil unrest in the area.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should assess any legal implications or liabilities that may arise from the presence of federal or military personnel on or near university property, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.
- Vanderbilt’s Community Relations Office should engage with local community leaders and law enforcement to foster communication and collaboration, aiming to mitigate tensions and ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Opportunities
- The situation presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Political Science and Law Departments to conduct research and provide analysis on the implications of federal and military involvement in civil matters, potentially contributing to academic discourse and public policy discussions.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Peace and Conflict Studies could leverage this situation to develop programs or workshops focused on conflict resolution and civil-military relations, enhancing the university’s role as a leader in peace studies.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to address potential security and legal implications.)
Timeline for Implementation
- 60-day deployment period for National Guard personnel, effective as of the implementation of the order.
Relevance Score: 3
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Defense (DoD): Tasked with coordinating the protection of DHS functions by calling National Guard and, if necessary, additional regular Armed Forces to safeguard federal property and personnel.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Its federal functions, including operation of immigration detention facilities, are directly protected under this directive.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): As a key agency enforcing immigration laws, ICE personnel and facilities are explicitly mentioned as needing protection from violent protests and potential acts of rebellion.
- Office of the Attorney General: Required to be consulted prior to the withdrawal of military personnel, ensuring legal oversight and coordination in the execution of this action.
- National Guard: Specifically, at least 2,000 National Guard personnel are to be temporarily mobilized from state units into federal service to secure federal functions and properties in areas of unrest.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies and components are directly impacted by the directive.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Defense – Tasked with calling up the National Guard, coordinating with state governors and the National Guard Bureau, and deploying military personnel as needed.
- Attorney General – Required to be consulted by the Secretary of Defense before withdrawing any personnel from designated locations.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Also required to be consulted by the Secretary of Defense when planning the withdrawal of military personnel supporting ICE and other federal functions.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials with broad responsibilities over federal security, immigration enforcement, and homeland security).