The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that President Obama has ordered an additional 1,200 National Guard troops to the Southwest border states of Arizona, Texas, California and New Mexico.
To be deployed beginning on August 1, the Guard troops will assist federal law enforcement agents already in place in combating the smuggling of weapons, cash and people across the Mexican border.
"These troops will provide direct support to federal law enforcement officers and agents working in high-risk areas to disrupt criminal organizations seeking to move people and goods illegally across the Southwest border," said Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano in a press release.
The troops will be deployed to the border states as follows:
- 524 to Arizona
- 250 to Texas
- 224 to California
- 72 to New Mexico
- 130 shared by the border states to provide command and control and other support
According to National Guard Gen. Craig McKinley, the troops "will serve in law enforcement support roles consistent with the Administration's view that border security is a law enforcement challenge."
President Obama has also requested that Congress authorize an additional $600 million in supplemental funds for enhancing border security.
Also See:
Feds Challenge Arizona Immigration Law in Court
US On Top of Mexican Border, Napolitano Says
Terrorists: The 'Other' Illegal Immigrants
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