In a tag-team effort to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking caused by failing President Joe Biden’s border crisis, the governors of Virginia and South Carolina have announced their decision to send state National Guard troops to the southern border, following a request made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order deploying 100 troops from the Virginia National Guard, citing the devastating impact of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, on families in the state.
Governor Youngkin stated, “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.”
The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state. Virginia will do its part to assist @GregAbbott_TX’s efforts with the coordinated deployment of National Guard soldiers to assist in key aspects of their mission. https://t.co/zFHJxdDjhE
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) May 31, 2023
The Virginia troops will operate under military command and will not be subject to the civilian authorities of county or municipal governments during their 30-day deployment.
They will be equipped with resources, including weapons, ammunition, body armor, protective masks, night vision devices, and other support equipment, as outlined in the directive.
Youngkin cites fentanyl coming across the border as one of the main reasons for Virginia deploying National Guard troops to help Texas. @WTOP @GovernorVA pic.twitter.com/quQ9NdQhiz
— Nick Iannelli (@NickWTOP) May 31, 2023
Likewise, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster responded to Abbott’s request, emphasizing the safety and security of South Carolinians.
Governor McMaster said, “The safety and security of South Carolinians require that we stop the drug cartels, criminals, and terrorists from entering our country to peddle their poison.”
The specifics of the troop deployment are still being finalized, with the governor’s office stating that the mission is currently in the planning phase, the New York Post reports.
The aim is to have troops sent to the southern border by July 1, with the number of troops to be determined in the coming weeks.
Governor Abbott invoked the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national interstate mutual aid agreement, to seek assistance from other governors.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who recently launched his 2024 presidential campaign, had already announced the deployment of Guard troops from his state a couple of weeks ago, with over 1,000 troopers, officers, and personnel being sent to aid Texas with the border crisis.
Governors from Mississippi, Iowa, Tennessee, and Nebraska have also volunteered to provide aid.
The crisis at our nation’s southern border impacts every state. The federal government owes Americans a plan – in the meantime, the TN National Guard is answering the call to secure our nation & protect Tennesseans. pic.twitter.com/77lblxXqbJ
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 30, 2023
