New Mexico governor pulls troops from border

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico’s governor, arguing there is not an “overwhelming national security crisis,” withdrew the majority of National Guard troops deployed at the state’s southern border Tuesday.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s announcement came shortly before the start of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, also announced she would send more help to Hidalgo County – one of the state’s three border counties – to assist with humanitarian needs.

Lujan Grisham’s Republican predecessor, Susana Martinez, sent 200 National Guard troops to the border in April at Trump’s request. Of the original 200, 118 troops remain.

Some troops are from Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Lujan Grisham ordered the troops in those states to return immediately.

It’s not clear how many troops will remain on the New Mexico border after Lujan Grisham’s orders.

“I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the southern border, along which are some of the safest communities in the country,” the governor stated in a news release sent hours before the State of the Union. “However, I recognize and appreciate the legitimate concerns of residents and officials in southwestern New Mexico, particularly Hidalgo County, who have asked for our assistance, as migrants and asylumseekers continue to appear at their doorstep.”

In recent months, multiple groups of 100-plus migrants have been entering the United States at the remote Antelope Wells Port of Entry. The large groups of families, women and children crossing the border have stressed border agents and medical facilities in the area.

The governor also directed the Department of Public Safety to deploy six state police officers to assist the day-today operations of local law enforcement in Hidalgo County.

Lujan Grisham said the directive comes at the request of Hidalgo County Manager Tisha Green.

DIANA ALBA SOULAR/SUN-NEWS New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham toured federal border facilities on Jan. 11. On Tuesday, she announced she would remove most of the National Guard troops from the border.