WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) – President George W. Bush is expected to announce efforts to tighten security at the U.S.-Mexico border, possibly sending more National Guard troops, in a prime-time address on Monday, a senior Bush administration official said on Friday.
…
He said a rumored estimate of 10,000 such troops was simply wrong but would not give a precise figure. He said Bush might announce a mix of solutions, such as Guard troops, increased state and local enforcement and private sector responsibilities.
ABC:
May 12, 2006 — The White House is considering calling up more than 5,000 National Guard troops to help secure the border between the United States and Mexico.
The troops would not be involved directly in law enforcement, which is prohibited by law. Instead the National Guard would play a supporting role, manning surveillance cameras in border towns, taking over office duties to free up law enforcement officers for border patrol and operating unmanned surveillance aircraft drones.
So we’re looking at a division sized element, to a brigade sized element. No mention about how long the deployment would be, or if it would be a permanent mission or a stop-gap until more border patrol units get trained up. Next ROEs would have to be implemented that would allow Guard units to defend themselves against Mexican military incursions, coyotes, and other business-as-usual items at the border. Finally, the force would need significant Aviation, MI, and Civil Affairs support. Stand by on this, it looks like an interesting summer is shaping up.
Best XXX
Best XXX