On Wednesday, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced he is sending National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to help Texas respond to the ongoing border crisis.
Virginia is deploying 100 troops in response Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s request for military support, Youngkin’s office said in a press release.
“The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state,” Youngkin said in a statement. “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.”
“Following a briefing from Governor Abbott last week, Virginia is joining other states to deliver on his request for additional assistance. Given the intensive resource demands on Texas, the dangers posed by the fentanyl crisis, and impact of the border crisis on criminal activity to the Commonwealth, Virginia will do its part to assist the State of Texas’ efforts with the coordinated deployment of Virginia National Guard soldiers to assist in key aspects of their mission,” he continued.
In its announcement, Youngkin’s office warned that “fentanyl and illicit drugs flowing over our border are devastating Virginia families and communities” and “an average of five Virginians die per day from fentanyl.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also announced the deployment of National Guard troops to the southern border this week.
“The crisis we are experiencing is a direct result of a dereliction of duty by President Biden. The consequences of an open border can be felt across the country as fentanyl and the cartels threaten our communities,” Reynolds said in a statement. “While the White House chooses to do nothing, Republican Governors stand ready to protect our states’ interests.”
Around 100 Iowa National Guard troops will deploy in August for 30 days, and 30 Department of Public Safety personnel will deploy in September for 30 days.
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
