Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the deployment of 40 Guardsmen from the Arkansas National Guard to support Texas National Guard efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border. The troops will be under the jurisdiction of Gov. Sanders, with Texas National Guard leading the operation.
This deployment marks Arkansas' continued support for Texas in addressing illegal immigration issues. Last year, Arkansas deployed approximately 80 Guardsmen to the border, followed by another 40 in the summer of 2021.
The Arkansas troops will enhance Texas National Guard's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, aiding in detection and tracking activities along the border.
Meanwhile, Texas is engaged in legal battles with the Biden administration over its border security measures, including a recent law allowing state and local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants. The Supreme Court recently extended a block on this law, following a request from the administration.
In response to the migrant crisis, Gov. Sanders criticized the administration for failing to secure the border and commended Texas for its proactive stance.
Major General Jonathan Stubbs, Arkansas' Adjutant General, highlighted the state's history of assisting neighboring states in times of crisis, emphasizing the readiness of Arkansas soldiers to support Texas National Guard operations.
The deployment comes amid concerns of a potential surge in migration across the U.S.-Mexico border in the coming months. Record numbers of migrant encounters were reported in FY 23, with a significant increase in December alone.
Republicans attribute the crisis to the Biden administration's policies, while the administration calls for increased funding and reforms from Congress to address the 'broken' system. The Department of Homeland Security has proposed additional funding for Border Patrol agents, processing coordinators, and CBP officers.
President Biden has urged Congress to pass a bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering border security, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the situation.
