The Tennessee Senate has passed a resolution, SR 188, in support of Texas’s efforts to secure its border against illegal immigration. The resolution encourages Governor Bill Lee to send National Guard troops to Texas, where there is currently an influx of immigrants. Governor Lee had already committed to deploying Tennessee National Guardsmen to assist at the southern border when he visited Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier in the month. Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson expressed support for Governor Lee’s decision and applauded the efforts to assist in border security.
However, State Sen. Heidi Campbell raised concerns about the legality of sending troops to another state for an issue like immigration, which is typically a federal matter. Johnson argued that the governor has the authority to deploy National Guard troops for the safety and security of Tennesseans, especially when the federal government has not effectively managed the border.
Despite the debate, the resolution was approved by the Senate with a vote of 24-4. The resolution reflects Tennessee’s solidarity with Texas in addressing border security issues, as well as criticism of the federal government’s handling of immigration. The resolution highlights the role of state governors in ensuring the safety of their citizens in the absence of federal action.
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