CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Allan Urlis, (531) 510-8529
Governor Pillen and senators visit troops deployed on the border
LINCOLN, NE – Gov. Jim Pillen traveled to Del Rio, Texas, on Wednesday to see the troops he deployed to help secure the United States’ southern border. He was accompanied by Speaker John Arch, Senator Tom Brewer, chairman of the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard.
The day-long visit was spent with Airmen and National Guard Soldiers who have been deployed to the Del Rio area since early April. The group of approximately 35 soldiers will be there until late June or early July, on active duty status in support of the Texas National Guard.
Governor Pillen has been steadfast in his support for combating the humanitarian and national security crisis at the border, saying the situation affects all states, including Nebraska. As recently as May 31, more than 512,300 illegal immigrants have been detained with more than 43,400 criminal arrests, resulting in at least 38,200 felony charges. More than 487 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized.
“Nebraska’s commitment has been critical to this mission,” said Governor Pillen. “These Nebraska troops are helping stop the influx of criminals, guns, drugs and human trafficking into our country and state. “Every state is a border state, so Nebraska must do its duty to protect our country.”
The Governor’s comments come on the heels of an executive order issued by President Joe Biden this week setting daily limits on the number of illegal immigrants allowed asylum in the United States, which the Governor described as “too few and too late”.
During his visit to Nebraska troops, Governor Pillen thanked them for answering the call to volunteer for this mission.
“They have taken time out of their normal work and family lives to take on a challenge that is important to our nation,” said Governor Pillen. “I join my fellow Nebraskans in sharing our gratitude for their service.”
Guard members have been working side by side with the Texas National Guard, manning various posts along the border. Governor Pillen and his group spent time with the troops at their base camp and then toured the operational areas by vehicle. Earlier this year, 10 Nebraska State Patrol troopers deployed to the El Paso area for two weeks in April and worked in partnership with Texas state authorities in support of their efforts to secure the border.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.