Governor Bill Richardson Applauds Obama Administration's Decision to Send National Guard Troops to Border

Press Release

Governor Bill Richardson today applauded the Obama Administration's
announcement that it will send as many as 1,200 additional National Guard troops to the U.S.- Mexico border to improve security.

"I am pleased that the Obama Administration has responded to New Mexico's and the other border states' requests for additional security along the border," Governor Richardson said. "Increased personnel will support our ongoing efforts to secure the border and maintain safety for all New Mexicans."

In late March, following the shooting death of an Arizona rancher near the border of New Mexico's boot heel, Governor Richardson ordered additional New Mexico National Guardsmen and law enforcement to the border. Since April 1st, soldiers from the New Mexico National Guard Counter Drug Program have provided Aerial Reconnaissance, employed Forward Looking Infra-Red systems, Mobile Surveillance Systems (MSS), and manned Customs and
Border Protection Skyboxes and listening /observation posts. The New Mexico National Guard has also provided Military Police platoons to augment State Police efforts in all sectors on the border.

The White House also announced today that it will request $500 million in supplemental funds to pay for more federal agents, prosecutors, investigators and technology at the border.

"I urge Congress to approve this additional money for personnel and other security measures along the border," Governor Richardson said. "It is a good first step. However, I am also calling on Congress to act quickly on a comprehensive immigration reform package that enforces U.S. hiring laws and includes a tough, but fair, path towards legalization for the estimated 12 million undocumented workers who currently live in this country."

Source