Yesterday (Tuesday), Gov. Kim Reynolds authorized the deployment of approximately 100 Iowa National Guard troops and 30 Department of Public Safety personnel to help secure the United States’ southern border. This decision comes after Reynolds and other Republican Governors received a security briefing from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who requested support for Texas-led Operation Lone Star following the rise in migrant interactions at the border with Title 42’s end earlier in May. Reynolds says, “The crisis we are experiencing is a direct result of a dereliction of duty by President Biden. The consequences of an open border can be felt across the country as fentanyl and the cartels threaten our communities. While the White House chooses to do nothing, Republican governors stand ready to protect our states’ interests.” The Iowa National Guard troops will be deployed for 30 days in August, while the Department of Public Safety personnel will be deployed for the same duration in September. This is not the first time Iowa has provided personnel for border security. In June 2021, nearly 30 Iowa State Patrol troopers were sent to Texas. During that deployment, they made significant contributions, including 240 criminal arrests, 51 vehicle pursuits, and seizures of drugs, firearms, and large sums of money.
