What say you? A good use of military assets? Political theatre by ambitious Republican governors? A good use of taxpayer money? (will cost the taxpayers of VA just over $3 million.) RICHMOND — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said Wednesday he’s deploying 100 National Guard troops to the U.S. border in Texas, heeding the call of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and following in the footsteps of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). “The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state,” Youngkin said in a news release. “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.” "Youngkin’s executive directive specifies that the 100 troops will be joined by 21 support personnel in a 30-day deployment, though the order is in effect for July through September. Democratic state lawmakers said they have been told by the administration that a one-month deployment will cost $3.1 million in state funds. Youngkin’s office confirmed that figure." https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/05/31/virginia-youngkin-national-guard-border/
Virginia is sending 100 guys with no training in border operations presumably, and probably no training in humanitarian work. And 100 people along a several thousand mile border is nothing. Of course it theater.
There roles once there are like non existent. Maybe admin should say all immigration is capped until next year. ET go home?
As usual, Virginia is holding the crazy beers for Florida, who's helpful governor is sending 800 troops. I wonder how much that will cost Florida taxpayers? I like this quote: “This is Youngkin’s latest entry in the Republican presidential beauty pageant,” state Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) said.
What are these troops going to do at the border? Do they have any legal authority to do anything? Wouldn’t these governors better serve their states and country by supporting immigration reform?
At least since Marco Rubio's future as GOP standard bearer through being the face of immigration reform went don in flames, as well as Eric Cantor losing his primary, it has been plain that many many Americans, mostly though not exclusively on the Right, have incredibly strong feelings that we can, should and must somehow "stop" humans coming over our Southern border to work here and possibly relocate without legal authorization, which is nearly impossible to get. I don't agree with the sentiment, especially in its vehemence and prioritization. But no denying it. A lot of people view immigration as hostile invasion; thus, a military solution. Bu apart from moral considerations, there is no logistical way to really make it happen. So performance
And another Rep Gov seeking attention does not want to left out!! Speculation is she wants in an R admin if another comes along sometime soon. Iowa sends troops as well as troopers (second time for troopers to be sent): https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/202...nal-guard-law-enforcement-to-southern-border/ Iowa National Guard troops and Department of Public Safety employees will deploy to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas in the coming months, following a request for assistance by Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott. Gov. Kim Reynolds answered Abbott’s request this week, announcing Iowa would deploy 100 National Guard troops in August and 30 DPS personnel in September for 30 days each. Reynolds was one of 10 Republican governors who met with the Texas governor in Austin earlier in May, according to a news release by Abbott.
This is an old game. In 2006, under President George W. Bush, I was part of Operation Jump Start as a Florida Guardsman. They scrambled us up, put us on orders, no training, no nothing and said you are going to the border. I think we were headed to Texas but it might have been Arizona. Regardless, everyone knew it was a dog and pony show. Had us all at the base ready to fly with all our gear and the first night they postponed it. Next day we lined up on the flight line again standing next to the planes and it got completely cancelled right then and there. We were all so relieved. Waste of time and taxpayer money. Some people did eventually go later, but it was much smaller mobilizations and usually by volunteer.
In short, yes. Unlike Active Component or Reserve personnel (which fall under T10 and are restricted by the Posse Comitatus Act) National Guard personnel fall under T32 (when not in a T10 status) and may perform law enforcement duties at the direction of their State governor or at the invitation, in this case, of another State governor.
Maybe it's an indication that Youngkin is considering a run for the presidency. We already know about DeSantis and his strategy of trying to "out Trump" the original on immigration.
My recollection from a previous article is that set up at various points and keep watch for illegals and if seen they radio it in to border patrol. I don’t think they physically intervene and by the time border patrol gets there the illegals may be gone. So not really accomplishing much.
I don't know about many, but South Carolina and West Virginia have also answered the call. A literal call, made by Texas governor Abbott to fellow Republican governors to ante-up. Operation Lone Star, as it's known, needs to be renamed. Operation It Takes a Village, perhaps? Since its inception last year, the problems have been multitudinous. Equipment shortages, inadequate housing, isolated observation outposts that only observe tumbleweeds and snakes. Maybe things have improved since last autumn. Maybe Florida can send along a few portable toilets (there's another shortage) with the troops.
