Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is deploying the National Guard to help with President Donald Trump’s large-scale deportation strategy, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the governor’s office in Nashville.

The governor’s office told News 2 the decision was made following a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Governor Lee has made it clear several times that Tennessee is prepared to aid President Trump’s initiatives to secure our country’s borders and remove dangerous criminals from our communities,” stated Elizabeth Johnson, the governor’s spokesperson, in a communication to News 2.

At the request of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Governor has approved National Guardsmen from Tennessee to operate under Title 32 status, assisting with administrative roles at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in the state. Their responsibilities will include tasks such as data entry, managing cases, and logistical support.

News 2’s sister station in Knoxville, WATE, asked Gov. Lee about his decision.

Governor Lee explained, “It’s important for America to ensure that criminals, particularly those who are illegal immigrants involved in gangs, drug trafficking, or human trafficking, are identified, removed, and deported. President Trump has been clear on this issue, which is one reason he was elected, and Tennessee is eager to collaborate.”

Earlier in the year, reporters questioned the governor about using the National Guard for mass deportation assistance. Although Gov. Lee did not provide a direct yes or no answer, he expressed a readiness to assist as needed.

“We are prepared to see what President Trump’s final plans will be,” Gov. Lee remarked, “and we are committed to supporting his presidential strategies.”

However, some argued that mass deportations will hurt the state in the long run.

“Mass deportations is not just a moral disaster, but it’s an economic one,” Luis Mata, with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said. “The state resources we are wasting on mass deportations and would potentially waste on mass deportations could instead go toward giving our communities, all Tennesseans, the resources to truly thrive.”

The governor’s office said the mission is still in the planning stages. The soldiers will be under the state’s command, but will be paid by the federal government.