Brewing tensions in US: Republican states may send troops to Texas

Oklahoma governor confirms his commitment to send National Guard to Texas, supporting Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s standoff with Biden administration

United States Governor Kevin Stitt on Friday said that his state Oklahoma could send National Guard to Texas, expressing support for the southern state in its standoff with the federal government concerning tactics to address the surge in illegal crossings along the southern border.

Republican governors on Friday declared support for Texas describing the state’s actions as defending the United States against invasion. Stitt’s statement came during an appearance on Fox and Friends, where he responded to former President Donald Trump’s call for states to deploy their National Guard to the Texas border.

In the interview with Fox News anchor Steve Doocy, Stitt, a Republican, confirmed his commitment to send National Guardsmen to Texas, aligning with the actions taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Stitt emphasized the common-sense approach, citing the existing federal law that designates 28 ports of entry in Texas as the legal points for entry. He criticized the Biden administration’s decision to cut razor wire, asserting the right of states to defend against invasion.

“This is just common sense. In Texas, there’s 28 ports of entry, and it’s already a federal law that it’s illegal to enter anywhere but those points of entry,” Stitt remarked. “So, yes, we have the right to defend our country against invasion. And what else would you call it if you’ve got 6 million people coming through illegally?”

Governor Stitt had previously deployed the Oklahoma National Guard to Texas in July, joining Operation Lone Star to enhance border security. The move reflects his ongoing commitment to addressing border-related challenges.

Former President Trump’s request for National Guard support on behalf of Governor Abbott coincided with calls from prominent Texas Democratic leaders urging the Biden administration to federalize the Texas National Guard. This move aimed to prevent the installation of additional barbed wire fencing. Notably, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government holds the constitutional power to remove such fencing on the state’s territory along the southern border.

The legal development followed a lawsuit from the Department of Justice against the Texas government for employing various tactics to deter illegal immigration. While Border Patrol has been instructed to dismantle existing barbed wire, the Texas National Guard continues to install additional measures in response to the ongoing border challenges.

Source: Newsroom