National Guard Troops have been deploying to protect our borders and are largely dispersed throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. These Soldiers watch for and report illegal crossovers and smugglers. They also assist Border Patrol Agents (part of the Department of Homeland Security) with investigations.
Although these Soldiers carry weapons, they are to use them only to protect themselves. At its peak, the Southern states aforementioned saw up to 6,000 National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen assisting the Border Patrol to increase security and vigilance along our Nation’s border.
Deployments are in support of the President and the Pentagon’s decision to bolster border security and have been increasing as drug-related violence has escalated in Mexico. Escalation of border security efforts are also a result as the continued U.S. debate over illegal immigration has intensified over this past election year.
The primary intent of deploying National Guard Soldiers was to help free up the existing Border Patrol Officials so they could return to their primary role of law enforcement.
A large portion of legislation, with regards to immigration reform, includes efforts to increase the number of National Guard and Border Patrol forces along our borders. In addition to the National Guard, the Department of Homeland Security is sending more aircraft, including UAV, surveillance equipment and at least 300 Customs and Border Protection agents.
Chances are that if you so inclined to be a part of the efforts to secure our borders, there is a National Guard Unit near you that you are able to volunteer for. The “deployment” is Federally Funded and supported so it should be pretty easy to transfer to an Activated Unit temporarily. From my understanding, Tucson, Arizona is a hot spot currently and the projection of the National Guard is only looking to increase.
How about you? Have you been assigned or deployed on behalf of the Border Security efforts?
Tell us your story!!!
If you have any questions about National Guard Border Patrol, feel free to contact us, and we will find an answer.
Update:
This is an older post and with the rising tensions of a massive caravan moving from Honduras, more National Guard and even regular Army troops have been sent to guard our Southern borders.
There is strong feelings both pro and con.
Without being disrespectful, we would love to hear your opinions. But do keep in mind that we have the right to not approve any comments if they are in disrespect or use inappropriate language.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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Having an increased National Guard presence on our southern borders is not only keeping out illegal immigrants, but it is a real effort to keep out a lot of the illegal drugs that are smuggled over, too. Regardless of how you feel about immigration issues, the idea that the Guard is trying to keep us safe, and keep illegal drugs out of our communities should be something that everyone agrees with.
It is good to know our National Guard is enforcing our borders. There has been a lot of internet rumbling about the conspiracy of Government spying on United States citizens down in these Southwestern areas. I have always claimed they are there to protect the borders. that goes for unmanned drone aircraft too. It amazes me all the people who don’t want government interference, but they want no illegals crossing the borders. It is like,”they want there cake, ice cream, and someone to feed it to them.”
Thanks to the National Guard for assisting in this major problem.
I would rather see the National Guard doing this mission than being deployed to all of these unnecessary wars.
This is an important mission: helping keep out the illegal immigrants. I’d rather have National Guard Soldiers deploy to the border than deploy overseas.
Same here!
This sounds like a great mission. I would rather have the National Guard protecting our borders than deploying in all these unnecessary wars.
I agree with you Barb!