Guest host Chris Krok spoke with Ammon Blair, a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, about the historic and evolving role of the National Guard in securing the U.S. border and responding to domestic emergencies. The conversation, sparked by Blair’s recent column in the Washington Examiner, emphasized that using the Guard in these capacities is not only legal but rooted in more than a century of precedent.
Blair, who lives in McAllen, Texas—a key location along the southern border—outlined how the Guard has historically been mobilized to protect the homeland. He cited a 1916 deployment of over 100,000 Guardsmen to the southern border under President Woodrow Wilson during the threat of incursion by Pancho Villa. That number dwarfs the current deployment levels, which Blair estimates are closer to 20,000.
The conversation also touched on more recent precedents, such as the use of the Guard during World War II and the role of state defense forces like the Texas State Guard and Florida’s revitalized State Guard. Blair praised Florida’s model for direct gubernatorial control, streamlined bureaucracy, and specialized units composed of former special operations personnel.
Blair argued that in modern times, the threats along the southern border have escalated beyond traditional immigration issues. Cartels, he said, have not only established deep pipelines into American communities but also formed alliances with hostile foreign actors like China and Iran. According to Blair, these realities justify an expanded and coordinated National Guard presence along the border and in cities facing unrest.
He criticized what he called a double standard in how National Guard deployments are viewed politically, stating that similar actions by Republican administrations are often met with resistance while being accepted under Democratic ones.
Blair also discussed how Florida has leveraged its state forces in innovative ways—from transporting detainees to detention facilities, to acting as immigration hearing officers, to offering protection for local law enforcement. He emphasized that the Guard acts as a “force multiplier” in all of these roles.
The interview shifted near the end to the devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, where over 100 people have died and many more remain missing. Blair has been working with partners on the ground to support search and rescue efforts, including coordinating with veterans and former special operations officers. He sharply criticized local officials and camp administrators for their lack of preparedness, which he believes contributed to the scale of the disaster.
Blair mentioned a proposed bill in the Texas Legislature to restructure the Texas State Guard, allowing it to be staged and mobilized in advance of disasters—a model inspired by Florida’s proactive approach. That legislation, he said, will be part of the ongoing special session in Texas called by Governor Greg Abbott.
As the conversation wrapped up, Blair called for accountability—not only for policy failures but also for the growing rhetoric targeting law enforcement and immigration officials. He warned that unless stronger measures are taken to support frontline responders, both on the border and in the streets, future crises may escalate further.
Blair’s message was clear: the National Guard has long played a critical role in American domestic defense—and given the scale of modern threats, its mission is far from over.