Gov. Grisham withdraws National Guard troops from New Mexico border [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Source: UPI

FEB. 5, 2019 / 9:47 PM
By Darryl Coote



Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered the withdrawal of most of the 118 troops deployed to the New Mexico border. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo


Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., ordered the withdrawal of the majority of National Guard troops deployed at New Mexico's southern border, stating that her state will not take part in President Donald Trump's "fear-mongering."

"I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the southern border, along which are some of the safest communities in the country," Grisham said in a statement. "However, I recognize and appreciate the legitimate concerns of residents and officials in southwestern New Mexico, particularly Hidalgo County, who have asked for our assistance, as migrants and asylum-seekers continue to appear at their doorstep."

National Guard troops in Hidalgo County and surrounding southwestern New Mexico counties will remain to deal with the ongoing humanitarian need there as large groups of families have crossed over the border in Antelope Wells in recent months, she said.

. . .

"We will support our neighbors where the need for assistance is great, and we will offer a helping hand when we can to those vulnerable people who arrive at our border, but New Mexico will not take part in the president's charade of border fear-mongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops. We will deploy our men and women in uniform only where there is a need, and where their presence can make a genuine difference in ensuring public safety and an easing of the humanitarian concerns at our southern border," she said.



Read more: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/02/05/Gov-Grisham-withdraws-National-Guard-troops-from-New-Mexico-border/2731549420287/