California is poised to reject President Trump’s recommendation to deploy National Guard troops to the southern border. The easiest path forward for the Trump administration is to get the four states bordering Mexico to agree with the president’s plans. Three of them already have.
California is characteristically hesitant.
“This request – as with others we’ve received from the Department of Homeland Security, including those for additional staffing in 2006 and 2010 – will be promptly reviewed to determine how best we can assist our federal partners,” California National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Tom Keegan said.
“We look forward to more detail, including funding, duration and end state.”
State officials are holding off on giving a clear answer but Gov. Jerry Brown’s views on illegal immigration are well known. He turned the entire state into a sanctuary for migrants. It’s unlikely that he’s going to willingly agree to send troops to the border. He’s practically at war with the Trump administration.
Liberals fear that militarizing the border will result in fear and confusion for migrants. Illegal border crossings have been dropping since President Trump took office but they’re still too high. Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico have already expressed appreciation for Trump’s plan.
“It is very encouraging that some of them … have taken dramatic steps in their own states to confront illegal immigration and to strengthen that border security to prevent the criminal activity and the inflow of drugs,” Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said.
“These are leaders who understand the importance of enforcement in border security and how it improves public safety in their states. I look forward to working with each of them.”
Democrats have so far refused to fully fund the border wall. That’s why Trump has been forced to adopt more aggressive measures. He’s suggested that the Border Patrol troops who are deployed to the border remain there until the wall is built.
(Source: Sacramento Bee)