Arizona Gov. Ducey will send 150 National Guard troops to Mexico border

Arizona will send approximately 150 National Guard members to assist with President Donald Trump's order to deploy troops along the southern border with Mexico.

Gov. Doug Ducey announced the decision in a post on Twitter Friday afternoon, saying his office is working with the U.S.departments of defense and homeland security to send troops next week.

Patrick Ptak, Ducey's spokesman, said the federal government would cover the cost of the Arizona National Guard deployment, "with no state cost share."

Guard members will offer support services to Customs and Border Protection, so they can focus more on field law enforcement.



"The Guard will provide air support, reconnaissance support, operational

support, construction of border infrastructure and logistical support," a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Emergency & Military Affairs said in a e-mailed statement. "This will allow (border patrol) to increase operational control of the region."

Details weren't immediately provided about where the troops will be deployed.

Ducey already has expressed his unequivocal support for Trumps's decision to send troops to the border to stem illegal crossings and drug trafficking.

“Arizona welcomes the deployment of National Guard to the border. Washington has ignored this issue for too long and help is needed," Ducey posted on Twitter earlier this week. "For Arizona, it’s all about public safety.”

Trump said Thursday he would like to see 2,000 to 4,000 National Guard troops deployed along the Mexican border for an indefinite length of time. Former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama also deployed National Guard troops to the border.

However, sheriffs for Arizona’s four border counties are conflicted over the planned deployment to their counties once again. Some questioned the need for such measures.

According to Arizona statute, the National Guard may be deployed after the governor “proclaims an emergency, or deems it necessary to protect lives or property.”

Arizona statute says the president can directly mobilize National Guard troops into the armed forces. However, federal law prohibits the U.S. military from enforcing domestic laws.

This article includes reporting from USA Today.