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Fellow servicemembers,
In September, Gov. Braun deployed 50 National Guardsmen to assist ICE in attacking our immigrant neighbors. While this was mostly a symbolic gesture in support of Trump, the very real threat of the Indiana National Guard still exists. Braun and Trump’s claim that the National Guard will be used to fight crime is an outright lie. The truth is that they want to use us to brutalize, intimidate, and terrorize our oppressed and exploited brothers and sisters.
While Braun and Trump allege ICE is enforcing law and order, the opposite is true: they are the real criminals, terrorizing communities by illegally kidnapping our neighbors with impunity. They say they need to restore order to violent cities. However, in cities like Chicago and Louisville, violent crime rates are declining. When it comes to homicides, Chicago’s rate of homicide has dropped by at least 20%; and in Louisville and Indianapolis the rate dropped over 30%.
Their narrative of “lawless cities” has no bearing in reality. The truth is that this is a political move intended to weaken the people’s movements by instilling fear and promoting division, racism, and other forms of bigotry.
As we reject the narrative, we do firmly assert that we will reject orders that deploy us to brutalize cities. Not only are such orders immoral, but they are illegal. As servicemembers, we swore an oath to defend the people of the United States against insecurity and lawlessness.
Therefore, it is a duty of ours to resist these illegal orders that violate the safety and defense of our communities. We steadfastly uphold our right to refuse these illegal deployment orders and demand that this right is given the full respect it deserves.
We are living in a turning point in the United States. What actions we take today will shape the future of our communities. We can take a stand, right now.
By endorsing this statement, we demand an end to Indiana National Guard support of ICE. Furthermore, an endorsement of this statement shows Braun that if he orders deployment, we refuse to carry out a campaign of terror on our communities. We stand with our immigrant neighbors, not with right-wing terror.
We got your back!
As servicemembers, the success or failure of such orders lies in our hands. Refusing to carry out such orders will prevent Trump and Braun from assaulting our communities. It will take courage, but you are not alone.
Organizations like About Face and ANSWER Indiana exist to support your right to your decision; your communities, families, friends will also thank you.
It is time to stand on the right side of history. If Braun tries to deploy you, refuse your orders! Stand together! We got your back!
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Featured image: Pro-immigrant demonstrators surrounded by cops at the June 11, 2025 rally outside of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Indianapolis Liberation Center.