Indiana National Guard Deployed to Southern Border

A total of 125 Indiana soldiers have deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border for a year-long mission.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Military

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a minimalist flagpole and plinth, evoking the institutional gravity of the Indiana National Guard deployment. — Approximately 125 Indiana National Guard soldiers deployed for a year-long mission to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the southern border. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government deploy National Guard troops to support border security operations?

Approximately 125 soldiers from the Indiana National Guard have departed for a mission to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The unit will serve under Joint Task Force Southern Border as part of Operation Ardent Vanguard to assist federal agents.

Why it matters

This deployment supports federal efforts to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The mission utilizes the Indiana National Guard to provide additional eyes and ears for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the border.

The 125 soldiers from the 381st Military Police Company will serve a mission lasting nearly one year. The unit previously completed nearly one month of training at Camp Atterbury before their departure.

The players

Indiana National Guard

This is a component of the United States National Guard that serves both state and federal missions.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

This is the largest federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

381st Military Police Company

This unit is based in Plymouth and is the primary group deployed for this mission.

The details

The soldiers, based in Plymouth, include personnel with medical, mechanical, and supply specialties. Following their departure from Camp Atterbury, the unit will receive additional training at Fort Bliss before assuming their operational duties.

October 3, 2026: Soldiers departed Camp Atterbury following a ceremony.
October 2026: The 38th Military Police Company is expected to return to Indiana.
October 2027: The one-year mission is expected to conclude.

Political Context

Opponents of state military border deployments often argue that the practice diverts critical National Guard resources from local emergency preparedness and state-level training. Critics frequently express concerns regarding the fiscal impact of these operations on state budgets and the strain on personnel readiness.

The deployment of the 381st Military Police Company means that these 125 residents will be stationed away from home for approximately one year. This transition involves the rotation of personnel out of Indiana while their counterparts from the 38th Military Police Company return to the state.

The takeaway

National Guard units frequently rotate between domestic training and federal deployments as part of their dual-role mission structure. Maintaining specialized support roles, such as medical and mechanical, remains essential for the operational success of these federal task forces.