Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced the deployment of two waves of National Guard troops to the border in support of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to control immigration. The first wave of about 50 soldiers will be deployed through March, with another wave to follow later in the spring. The governor and first lady met with deploying guard members over the weekend to show their support.
The ongoing border crisis has become a key issue in the 2024 presidential election, with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both making visits to the Texas border. Republicans have criticized Biden for reversing Trump-era policies they claim reduced border crossings, though the number of migrant encounters has increased during both administrations.
In response to the surge in immigration, Tennessee, along with other Republican-led states, is backing Texas in its fight for state sovereignty over federal immigration authority. Governor Lee expressed concerns about human and drug trafficking, as well as deaths of migrants attempting to cross the border, calling it a humanitarian crisis.
While acknowledging the political tensions surrounding the issue, Lee emphasized the need to prioritize pragmatism and address the border crisis beyond politics. He highlighted the importance of following legal immigration processes and supporting migrants with legitimate reasons for entry into the country. Lee’s administration has been proactive in supporting Texas in its legal battles and advocating for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement.
Source
Photo credit www.tennessean.com