The Independent View: CA Gov. Agrees to Deploy 400 National Guard Troops With Different Role

California Gov. Jerry Brown responded to President Trump’s request to add more Troops for Border Security, saying he’ll add about 400 Troops, but also saying they won’t used for “enforcing federal immigration laws.”

Trump said last week he wants to send 2,000 to 4,000 National Guard Members to the Border, issuing a proclamation citing "the lawlessness that continues at our southern border."

Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas all made New Pledges that add 2,000 of the 4,000 Troops Trump requested. Some Guard members started arriving at the Border as States and the Federal Government Officials continued to discuss what they will do.

The California National Guard will accept Federal Funding to add approximately 400 Guard Members Statewide to Supplement the Staffing of its Ongoing Program to combat Transnational Crime. This Program is currently staffed by 250 Personnel Statewide, including 55 at the California Border.

The New Funding for Staffing will allow the Guard to Support Operations targeting:

- Transnational Criminal Gangs

- Human Traffickers

- Illegal Firearm

- Drug Smugglers

California has agreed to similar Targeted Assistance in 2006 under President Bush and in 2010 under President Obama.

But the Gov. was crystal clear on the Scope of this Mission:

- Will not be to Build a New Wall.

- Will not be to Round-Up Women and Children.

- Will not be to Detain People Escaping Violence and Seeking a Better Life.

- The California National Guard will not be Enforcing Federal Immigration Laws.

The Gov. says here are the Facts: there is No Massive Wave of Migrants pouring into California. Overall Immigrant Apprehensions on the Border last year were as Low as they’ve been in nearly 50 years, and 85% of the Aapprehensions occurred outside of California.

The Gov. agreed with the Catholic Bishops who have said that Local, State, and Federal Officials should “work collaboratively and prudently in the implementation of this deployment, ensuring that the presence of the National Guard is measured and not disruptive to community life.”