Michigan National Guard deploying to southwest border to help provide security

Francis X. Donnelly, The Detroit News on Nov 7, 2026

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DETROIT — About 125 members of the Michigan Army National Guard will be deployed to the southwest border of the U.S. for up to a year.

The soldiers belong to the 1432nd Engineer Company, which is based out of Kingsford and Gladstone.

The company will support U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing border security, allowing federal agents to carry out their law enforcement responsibilities.

"Our Soldiers stand ready to answer the call to serve wherever they are needed," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in a media release.

"We are proud of the professionalism and dedication these Soldiers will bring to this mission, and we recognize the families and loved ones who provide unwavering support throughout their service."

This marks the seventh deployment of Michigan National Guard personnel to the southwest border since 2020. Previous deployments were authorized in 2020 and 2025 under President Donald Trump and in 2021, 2022 and 2024 under President Joe Biden.

The soldiers gathered with their families and invited guests at Escanaba High School in October for a departure ceremony ahead of their deployment to the Southwest Border.