Lee asks: “What is your opinion regarding the Texas National Guard being sent to Illinois, and what should be the role of the Texas State Guard?”
The Texas Nationalist Movement opposes sending the Texas National Guard outside Texas, including the recent 41-day deployment to Illinois that ended in November 2025. This deployment perfectly demonstrates why federal control over our military forces undermines Texas sovereignty.
The Federal Control Problem
The Illinois deployment exposed the fundamental flaw in the National Guard system. About 200 Texas National Guard troops were deployed to Chicago under federal orders, yet many were removed for failing to meet standards during what critics called a “futile” mission.
As TNM President Daniel Miller explained in Coffee Talk sessions, this creates “bifurcated command” – Texas can deploy the National Guard, but federal authorities can federalize those same troops within 24 hours and send them home. Former Governor Rick Perry acknowledged this problem, noting he was “commander-in-chief, unless they’re federalized.”
The Texas State Guard Solution
The Texas State Guard offers the answer. Unlike the National Guard, the Texas State Guard cannot be federalized and operates exclusively under Texas authority. Currently numbering around 274 enlisted members, it remains under complete state control for emergency response and homeland security.
The TNM advocates shifting resources from out-of-state National Guard deployments toward fully militarizing the Texas State Guard. With Texas Military Forces operating on a $1.85 billion budget, the State Guard receives only a fraction focused on uniforms, training, and logistics.
Public Opposition to Out-of-State Deployments
Texans agree with this position. Polling shows Texans oppose National Guard deployments to cities outside Texas. The Illinois mission highlighted why – Texas troops were criticized and replaced during a deployment that accomplished little.
Border Security vs. Federal Missions
Texas faces real security challenges at our border through Operation Lone Star, which requires $1.8 billion annually. Sending troops to Illinois while our own border needs protection makes no strategic sense.
The State Guard’s legal framework under Texas Government Code ensures it cannot be deployed beyond Texas borders or federalized against state interests.
Independence Implications
Under independence, Texas would establish complete military command without federal interference. The current system where federal authorities can override state deployments demonstrates why the federal relationship is irreparable.
An independent Texas would expand the State Guard model – state-controlled forces serving Texas interests exclusively. No more federal orders sending Texas troops to other states while Texas needs protection.
The Bottom Line
Lee, the TNM position is clear: Keep Texas National Guard forces in Texas, and invest in expanding the Texas State Guard as our primary defense force. The Illinois deployment proved that federal control undermines effective military deployment.
The State Guard represents true state sovereignty in military affairs – exactly what Texas needs as we move toward independence. Every dollar spent on out-of-state deployments is a dollar not protecting Texas interests at home.
