DHS requests 20,000 troops to help with immigration enforcement
Dillon Fuhrman
Andrea Turisk spoke with locals to see if this is something they believe is necessary.
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requesting 20,000 National Guard members along the border, including Yuma County, to help with immigration enforcement.
San Luis is no stranger to the complexities of immigration, but the new potential surge of military personnel is raising questions and concerns among residents.
According to DHS, the goal is to support enforcement not just at the border, but across the country as well.
One local, Collet Masillemoni, says he believes illegal entry has been at bay and the move to deploy more troops may not be necessary.
“The border is pretty well controlled right now. I don’t see why we have to send troops when there is hardly anybody crossing,” Masillemoni shared.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in fiscal year 2024, there were over 39,000 illegal encounters in Yuma. However, in fiscal year 2025, there were just under 7,000 encounters, showing an 82% decrease.
Still, other locals feel this move will help continue to keep the border safe.
“These are national matters. The exchange of drugs and other things probably imply that decision,” said Hector Muñoz, another local.
DHS says troops are being requested to assist law enforcement on logistics and operations related to immigration actions in the U.S., something some locals believe to be very important for border communities like ours.
“Based on all the violence that occurs here from all that illegal immigration, I think that’s great. Homeland Security stepping up finally,” said Frank Luna, another local.
The request from DHS now stands with the Pentagon, where the final decision will be made.