Alabama Governor Confirms Potential National Guard Deployment

Birmingham, Alabama, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Amid rising crime concerns, Governor Kay Ivey announced discussions with the White House about deploying National Guard troops to Birmingham and Montgomery. This follows alarming crime statistics, including a record 151 homicides in Birmingham in 2024. The Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit is currently aiding law enforcement efforts. While some officials support the National Guard’s involvement, others advocate for focusing on community resources to address crime root causes.

Birmingham, Alabama – In light of rising crime concerns, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has confirmed that the state is in discussions with the White House regarding the potential deployment of National Guard troops to Birmingham and Montgomery. Similar actions have been taken in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump sent federal troops to address escalating crime issues, and Memphis is poised to be the next city receiving National Guard assistance.

Governor Ivey stated that while the state is prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary, they are currently on standby. Alabama currently employs the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit to assist with law enforcement in both Birmingham and Montgomery. This collaborative unit, comprising officers from five different law enforcement agencies, has reportedly made strides in reducing violent crime, particularly in Montgomery.

The urgency for action has been accentuated by alarming statistics. Birmingham recorded a record 151 homicides in 2024, while statewide data indicates Alabama has the fourth highest homicide rate in the United States at 10.9 per 100,000 individuals, according to the 2022 FBI statistics. However, in 2025, Birmingham has shown a decrease in violent crime with only 57 reported homicides thus far.

Amid these developments, Governor Ivey has made public safety a top priority following the recent state legislative session addressing crime issues. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt cited Birmingham as an example of crime challenges in cities managed by Democratic leaders, reflecting broader political implications around the topic.

Criticism has emerged from various political figures concerning Alabama’s crime statistics. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted Alabama as one of the leading states in murder rates, while Senator Tommy Tuberville expressed support for the National Guard’s deployment to combat crime in Birmingham and Montgomery. Conversely, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed argued that crime rates in the city are on the decline and insists that introducing military presence is not the solution. He advocated for increased investment in community resources to tackle the root causes of crime.

The MACS Unit was launched on June 24, 2023, driven by the urgent need to curb violence in Montgomery, and the ongoing discussions focus on how a potential National Guard integration would align with existing local law enforcement efforts.

As the situation continues to evolve, both state and local authorities are weighing various approaches to ensure public safety while addressing the underlying causes of crime.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Trump Send National Guard Troops to Alabama Cities?
• Wikipedia: National Guard
• WSFA: Governor Ivey Responds on Troop Deployment
• Google Search: National Guard Alabama
• Click on Detroit: Memphis Mayor Confirms National Guard Deployment
• Google Scholar: National Guard Crime Issues Alabama
• 1819 News: Alabama National Guard Mobilization Report
• Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
• Yellow Hammer News: Tuberville and National Guard Deployment
• Google News: National Guard Deployment Alabama

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.