GUARD Act

HR 4080, the GUARD Act, amends the Posse Comitatus Act to allow National Guard members to assist with immigration enforcement under specific conditions: when ordered by a state governor or when performing duties under federal law exclusively for enforcing immigration laws (including apprehension, detention, or removal of undocumented individuals) or border security operations. It also adds a new federal criminal provision (Section 119A) making it a crime to assault, resist, or interfere with U.S. immigration officers or state/local officers acting under federal authority in immigration enforcement, with penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment depending on injury or death. The bill directly affects National Guard personnel conducting immigration-related duties and individuals who threaten or harm immigration enforcement personnel. These changes clarify legal authority for immigration enforcement operations and increase penalties for violence against such personnel.