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Date:
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Jan. 13, 2026
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TDD:
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(520) 791-2639
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Information Regarding Potential Federal Deployments in Tucson
The City of Tucson is committed to keeping Tucsonans safe and informed in the event of federal action in our community through emergency preparedness and transparency.
The National Guard is not currently deployed in Tucson. However, federal authorities have deployed National Guard troops to several U.S. cities without requests from local or state governments. While no such deployment has been announced for Tucson, Mayor Regina Romero and City leadership is closely monitoring the situation and have developed a comprehensive response plan as a precautionary measure.
“Federal actions are spreading fear and chaos in cities across our country,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “The actions that we’ve seen ICE take are hurting innocent people and not making us any safer. The City of Tucson will prioritize community safety and protect the legal and constitutional rights of every Tucsonan regardless of status. I have directed staff to create an easy to use, easy to access informational website.”
The National Guard may legally be activated and deployed under certain circumstances:
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At the State level under Title 32 by the Governor for a State Emergency
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At the request of local authorities (cities and counties) for search and rescue, or other civil support
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At the Federal level under Title 10 and under the Insurrection Act
There are limitations on what deployed troops can do. Once deployed, troops are restricted by law under the Posse Comitatus Act. Under this act, National Guard troops under federal control may only protect federal property and personnel and may not engage in the following civilian law enforcement activities:
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Pursuit, arrests, or apprehension
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Traffic control, crowd control, or riot control
- Interrogation
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Security patrols
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Search and seizure
- Evidence collection
The Mayor and Council, City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, Tucson Police Department, and the City’s Emergency Management Team have developed a protocol and response if the National Guard is activated by the president without being requested by the City or the State.
Evidence from activations in other U.S. cities indicates that federalized troops may have been encouraged to engage in security, traffic, and crowd control activities in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. If deployed to Tucson, the City would observe and document such troop activities. The City is prepared to file legal challenges to any improper troop deployment or activity with authorization from Mayor and Council.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
There have been ICE operations in our community. While the Mayor and City cannot prevent ICE from legally operating in Tucson, the City also does not condone the behavior demonstrated by ICE agents towards members of our community and in other communities. This includes the wearing of masks and other actions intended to intimidate and confuse the public. The City understands that ICE raids create fear that negatively impact families, schools, and local businesses.
Tucson Police Department (TPD)
The Tucson Police Department works to develop trust with our immigrant and refugee communities. As a local law enforcement agency, TPD’s primary responsibility is serving community members and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, or any other characteristic. TPD’s mission is to protect life and property and prevent crime in partnership with our community. That means for all community members, regardless of immigration status. TPD officers carry identification at all times and are instructed not to wear masks unless necessitated during undercover operations.
The Tucson Police Department does not participate in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws but will respond for the safety of Tucson residents and to keep the peace if protests or demonstrations develop. However, federal officials do conduct operations in our city related to drugs, violent crime, human trafficking and other critical issues, and TPD may be involved in these operations.
“I am committed to protecting all Tucsonans, regardless of immigration status, and their freedom to exercise First Amendment rights by a police department that values diversity, accountability, and transparency,” said City Manager Timothy Thomure.
The City of Tucson has created a webpage to connect community members with resources to learn their immigration rights and responsibilities. We want to make sure community members know their rights and can find support and services quickly. Find information from local and national agencies at Know Your Rights Resources. You have a constitutional right to safely film and document public enforcement actions without physically blocking or otherwise impeding those actions. The City asks that each community member prioritize their personal safety and the safety of others in any documentation effort.
In the event that federal deployments occur, a Joint Information Center or JIC will be established ensuring that all communication from the City of Tucson to the public is unified and clear.
If a deployment were to occur, accurate and timely information will be available at the following:
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