the border

Obama to Send 1,200 Troops to U.S.-Mexico Border

The president is set to announce that he will send as many as 1,200 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist with border protection and enforcement activities. The troops will be supporting law-enforcement officials by observing and monitoring traffic between official crossing points in an effort to help intercept illegal drug shipments. The White House is also expected to request $500 million in supplemental funds to pay for more federal agents, prosecutors, and technology at the border. While Arizona Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords was pleased, claiming the “White House is doing the right thing,” good ol’ John McCain wasn’t placated: “1,200 Nat’l Guard is a first step, but it’s not enough,” he tweeted, “I’ve been calling for the Guard to secure our SW border for years - we need 6,000!”

Obama to Send Up to 1,200 Troops to Mexico Border [NYT]

Obama to Send 1,200 Troops to U.S.-Mexico Border