Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to Meet with National Guard Troops on Border Patrol

Strategic Insights -

Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords is set to meet with National Guard troops who have volunteered to patrol the Arizona-Mexico border. The congresswoman, a long-time advocate for stronger border security, will visit with soldiers training in Tucson and then see them fulfilling their mission on the border in Nogales. This meeting marks the first time an elected official from Arizona has met with the newly deployed troops.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 500 National Guard troops have been deployed to Arizona, with all expected to be in place by the beginning of October.
  • The troops are part of Operation Copper Cactus, a mission focused on supporting the U.S. Border Patrol's campaign against drug smuggling and illegal immigration.
  • Guardsmen received training in surveillance techniques and first aid before being sent into the field, where they will be armed for self-defense and serve as "extra eyes and ears" for the Border Patrol.
  • The troops will work in mobile- or remote-surveillance units, with their deployment to Arizona being led by Representative Giffords.
  • Giffords has been a key advocate for stronger border security, including the deployment of Guard troops to the Arizona border, and has chaired the House subcommittee on border security.

Statistics:

  • 532 National Guard troops are expected to be deployed to Arizona by the beginning of October.
  • The troops will be part of a larger deployment that includes 1,200 troops across four states.
  • The deployment is part of a $600 million emergency border security funding package signed into law by President Obama.
  • The troops will work alongside the U.S. Border Patrol to combat drug smuggling and illegal immigration.
  • Giffords' 9,000-square-mile district includes 114 miles of border, mostly in Cochise County.

Sources:

  • Arizona Office of Representative Gabrielle Giffinords
  • Office of President Obama
  • USA Today