Tennessee Guv Bill Lee lauded for deploying National Guard to southern border in solidarity with Texas

MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE: In a show of solidarity with Texas, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has deployed National Guard members to the southern border, escalating tensions with the Biden administration over immigration enforcement.

The move comes as Republican governors rally behind Texas Governor Greg Abbott in what has become a highly politicized border crisis.

Governor Bill Lee deploys National Guars members to Southern border

Governor Lee met with deploying National Guard members in Millington, Tennessee, on Saturday, March 2, following his recent visit to the border where he pledged support to Governor Abbott.

Lee reiterated the need for states to assist Texas in securing the border, emphasizing the overwhelming task at hand.

"Gov Abbott has made the decision to utilize Texas' resources to secure that border and to keep that traffic from coming into his state," Lee stated. "But it's an overwhelming task, and he asked governors to join him because each one of us recognizes that."

Lee emphasized Tennessee's leadership in addressing the border crisis, posting on X, "As America faces the most severe border crisis in decades, TN is showing the rest of the country what it means to lead. Today, I joined TN National Guard members who will soon deploy on a voluntary mission to secure the Southern border as the federal government fails to act.”

The deployment of Tennessee National Guard members follows Texas' earlier seizure of a popular border crossing in Eagle Pass and subsequent clashes with federal immigration officials.

While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of federal control over border enforcement, Texas continues to grapple with an influx of unauthorized migrant crossings, which Governor Abbott labeled an "invasion" in January.

Tennessee National Guard Maj. Gen. Warner Ross declined to specify the exact deployment location but highlighted concerns about human and drug trafficking in unauthorized border crossings, USA Today reported.

The deployment, consisting of approximately 50 soldiers through March, aims to address these pressing issues. “You realize what is happening and what has been happening there has to change," Lee told the guard members. "You are part of that change."

Governor Lee echoed public concerns about the border crisis, referencing a recent Gallup poll indicating that immigration has become the top issue facing the US for the first time since 2018. “Unfortunately, a lot of issues in this country that are pragmatic, real issues, become very political,” Lee said.

While refraining from adopting Abbott's rhetoric of an "invasion," Lee underscored the dangers posed by unauthorized border crossings and upheld the importance of upholding legal immigration processes. 

“I understand fully that America is a welcoming land with opportunity for those who are escaping persecution, who have a real need,” Lee said. “We do have a right way in this country. We have a legal process for folks to enter into America. We have always been a country that has immigration policy for those who follow it.”

Bill Lee lauded for deploying National Guard to southern border

Many on social media lauded Gov Lee for deploying National Guard members to the southern border.

"This is good. I hope they’re safe and do a good job," one posted on X.

"Let’s go!! Show Biden and his puppet masters how it’s done!" another wrote.

"TX thanks TN," someone else added.

"We're a Republic doing Republican things. #CloseTheBorder," another chimed in.

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