Three governors have responded to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request by ordering National Guard troops to the southern border to combat drug and human trafficking. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced their decisions to send troops, joining Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who issued his order last month.
Governor Youngkin signed an executive directive on Wednesday, deploying 100 National Guard troops to support Abbott’s Operation Lone Star. He emphasized the increase in illegal drugs and human trafficking, which negatively impact Virginia families and communities. Governor McMaster cited the safety and security of South Carolinians as the reason behind his decision, stating the need to prevent drug cartels, criminals, and terrorists from entering the country. The exact number of troops from South Carolina will be determined in the coming weeks. Governor Noem also joined in, announcing the deployment of “at least 50” South Dakota National Guard troops to the southern border later this summer.
Governor DeSantis had previously announced the deployment of over 1,100 state law enforcement agents and National Guard members to the Texas-Mexico border. Governor DeSantis’ personnel will remain at the border for 30 days, with the possibility of extensions.
