National Guard troops deployed to U.S.-Mexico border
Apr 13, 2018, 10:37 AM | Updated: Jun 7, 2022, 4:00 pm
SAN ANTONIO, TX — It’s not the long-promised border wall, but it may be the next best thing. National Guard troops are now settling in along the U.S./Mexico border, focused on assisting with security.
President Donald Trump said,”We’re taking strong action to secure our border, stop illegal immigration and restore the rule of law.”
Texas has already deployed hundreds to the area and more are expected to be added over the next few weeks.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said, “This operation is necessary in order to deal with what has been an escalation of cross border traffic.”
The troops will help from the air and ground, acting as an extra set of eyes for ICE officers.
“The National Guard is playing a complimentary role to aid and support what the Border Patrol is doing,” said Governor Abbott.
In addition to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California have also pledged to send troops to the border.
California Governor Jerry Brown said the 400 members from his state would not build the wall or enforce federal immigration laws.
But President Trump still expressed gratitude to Brown for agreeing to participate calling it a, “Good move for the safety of the country.”
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said, “I’ve ordered each United States attorneys’ offices along the southwest border to have a zero tolerance policy toward illegal entry. Our goal is to prosecute every case that is brought to us.”
