LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On March 19, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders officially directed the Arkansas National Guard to send soldiers to the southern border to support the Texas National Guard as they work to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
40 guardsmen will serve along the nation’s border with Mexico from April 1 through May 30th. According to officials, the Texas National Guard will remain the lead agency in charge while those from Arkansas guardsmen will remain under Governor Sanders' orders.
“President Biden opened our southern border to an invasion of illegal immigrants, drugs, and human trafficking and is now criticizing Texas for stepping up where his administration has failed. I’ve seen the crisis our President created firsthand, and I know the incredible men and women of the Arkansas Guard can help supplement Texas’ efforts to keep our border secure and our states safe,” said Governor Sanders.
Gov, Sanders previously visited the border in July of 2023 to show her support for the Arkansas Guardsmen deployed there, and then again on February 4, 2024, along with 14 other governors to show their state's support for Texas.
“The Arkansas National Guard has a rich history of helping neighboring states in a crisis,” said Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Arkansas’ Adjutant General. “We assisted Texas last year, and have done so under previous administrations. Our Soldiers will be well prepared and ready to assist the Texas National Guard’s operations.”