VA, WV Governors Deploying National Guard to TX Border.

The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state. As leadership solutions at the federal level fall short, states are answering the call to secure our southern border, reduce the flow of fentanyl, combat human trafficking and address the humanitarian crisis.

“Following a briefing from Governor Abbott last week, Virginia is joining other states to deliver on his request for additional assistance.”

On Wednesday morning, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced he would deploy 100 of his state’s National Guard troops to Texas. In a Wednesday morning press conference, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice also announced he would deploy 50 of his state’s National Guard troops to Texas.

“I know our National Guard will do incredible work, and we’ll wish them Godspeed to get home safe and sound. I thank them all for their incredible bravery and for stepping up yet again to answer the call.”

Since President Joe Biden’s administration ended the federal Title 42 immigration policy on May 11, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been using state resources to stem the flow of illegal border crossings into the country. In recent weeks, Texas National Guard troops and Department of Public Safety officers have been seen setting up razor fences and turning back people attempting to cross from Mexico into Texas illegally.

Other States Sending Troops

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his state would send 800 Florida National Guard soldiers, 200 Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers, 20 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, and 20 Emergency Management personnel to Texas.
• Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced an unspecified number of troops from the Mississippi National Guard’s 112th Military Police Battalion would deploy to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agents along the southwest border.
• Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee authorized the deployment of 100 Tennessee National Guard troops to the border. Lee said these troops would patrol and provide an added security presence at the border, help staff outposts, and assist in road and route clearance, barrier placement, and debris removal.

“America continues to face an unprecedented border crisis that threatens our nation’s security and the safety of Tennesseans,” Lee said of the deployment. “The federal government owes Americans a plan to secure our country, and in the meantime, states continue to answer this important call to service.”

“24 Republican governors signed a letter pledging to support Abbott’s border security effort, including Youngkin and Justice.”

As more Republican governors pledge their support and deploy their state National Guard troops and state police resources to assist border control efforts, it remains to be seen what actions the federal government will take to address the ongoing border crisis.