President Barack Obama will deploy up to 1,200 more National Guard troops to the U.S. border with Mexico, an administration official told CNN on Tuesday.
In addition, Obama will request $500 million in supplemental funds to current spending for enhanced border protection and law enforcement activities, the official said.
The National Guard troops will help with drug enforcement efforts and intelligence efforts until Customs and Border Patrol can recruit and train additional officers and agents to serve on the border, the official said.
The news followed Obama's lunch meeting with Senate Republicans, where Sen. John McCain of Arizona raised the issue of increased border security. McCain and fellow Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl, as well as Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, have called for Obama to send more troops to the border region.
"It's simply not enough," McCain said Tuesday on the Senate floor. He called for 3,000 more National Guard troops just for the Arizona-Mexico border.
Giffords, who had called for the National Guard's deployment immediately after the March 27 murder of Cochise County rancher Rob Krentz, said Obama's step was "the right thing."
"Arizonans know that more boots on the ground means a safer and more secure border," Giffords said in a written statement. "Washington heard our message."
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If we are to stop illegal immigration and the importing of poverty, then we need 200,000 troops on the border. 1200 is just a political stunt.
William Smith
"He's late as always...2 1/2 years left of this bs"
At least he is doing something. I'm suprised that a Democratic President would do such a thing when the last Republican President would not. I think it all boils down to politics and trying to win votes.
1 million illegal Mexicans have crossed in from AZ.
Libtards who continue to appose any reform need to be voted OUT!!!
well who let them in this country to begin with?? not the liberals
Legalize marujuana! Its the biggest cash crop in the US. Were fighting these drug runners that are making SO MUCH MONEY courtesy of the American citizen. Legalize it, tax it and watch the problems at the border start to sissolve!
Unfortunately this action is all politics and not really intended to solve the problem. Everyone involved knows the US needs the low cost workers, and that we could eliminate the "problem" by creating a national ID, a much better temporary visa program, and enforcing penalties againest companies hiring illegal workers. It is simply a lack of leadership and poltical desire to fix the problem
Wow.....an actual thoughful comment. He is right, but nobody will probably notice...LOL
You hit the nail on the head with that!!
that is so common sense. what it is it about politicians, when they get elected, they lose all forms of common sense?
To do what, help Mexicans enter the US illegally? He is pathetic!
So republicans want less government and then complain about there not being enough troops assigned to the boarder. I think the troops are busy fighting two unfunded wars! How about stop whining and do something yourselves.
The primary function of the government is to defend its borders and citizens.
Many presidents, both Democrat and Republican have long ignored the issue.
1,200 is a token gesture. you need that many just to secure the area around Nogales.
....Halleluia.....but sorry it's too late. Maybe half of these troops can chase the 20 million illegal immigrants spread all over the country that would be a burden on our already anemic financial system (i.e. Social Security, Medicare, etc.).
Deputize more ICE/Border Control agents. Sending troops is only a temporary stop gap and an obvious move to score political brownie points.
.....Amen
It's about friggin!! time, however it will require more than 1200 servicemen to protect the Arizona border.
Pretty soon republicans will have nothing to complain about.... then what will they do?
Become one or go independent no one cares about party affiliation it's what gets you re-elected even if you have to lie to the people to do it . Save your mind first don't regurgitate what you hear, think global not local, follow the money who stands to benefit from whatever action that is taken in our government or other governments who gets the power and who gets the money and there is your 5 and dime answer.
when the republicans don't have anything to complain about will be the time that they've finally saved this country from the downward spiral that is getting worse every day. I agree George W didn't do a great job, but Obama is driving this country into socialistic poverty....look at all the other socialistic countries....how are they doing right not....that's what this administration wants to do. I for sure do not like a President stating the people have "made enough money" and it needs to be spread out to the poor people. Screw that....people WORK for their success, this is a free capitalistic society our forefathers founded....it's worked perfectly for over 200 years....why change it now??? socialism will be a disaster, I'm fearful for my children.
TEA Shmee. This is not about the TEA Party, this is about American Citizens living in fear on our soil from drug lords from another country. Thugs invading their homes, robbing them, kidnapping, the list goes on and on.
Maybe if we took our national guard troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq where they are not appreciated we would have the resources to send more of them to the Arizona-Mexico border. Why is that when Obama does what the Republicans want him to do, do they then turn around and say it is never enough. It seems that all they want to do is agree to diagree. I am tired of their sour faces and their not contributing anything useful to any problem.
Ms Hoffman, do you have family over in Iraq or Afghanistan? Are you in the military yourself? The majority of people DO WANT US over there. My husband has been deployed to both places three times and is about to go back for a fourth tour and he has seen WITH HIS OWN EYES how much they are appreciated there. So unless you are speaking from knowledge, stop repeating lies that others spew!!!
Political pressure – OK see we did something AZ! Bandaid for a long term problem. Kind of like sticking a tube in the hole and catching less than half the oil. Appreciate the help Washington, using Soldiers for a mission that is not their job – screw'em send them to war and have them guard border when you get home.
Well it's about God DAMN time!!!!!