New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson announces several initiatives to redesign high school education in New Mexico during a news conference at Mayfield High School Wednesday, May 24, 2006, in Las Cruces, N.M. (AP Photo/Ellis Neel)
Posted on 05/25/2006 2:21:48 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson says he still has many questions about President Bush's plan to send thousands of National Guard troops to help the U.S. Border Patrol along the country's southern border.
The head of the National Guard Bureau, the office that coordinates military planning between the Pentagon and state Guard units, indicated to a congressional committee on Wednesday that an initial deployment could begin as early as next week.
"My concern is that I want the Border Patrol to be the primary law enforcement on the border and not the National Guard," Richardson said Wednesday.
The governor said he's willing to accept the presence of Guardsmen along the border as long as it's not permanent. He pointed out that Guard troops are needed for other duties in communities throughout the state.
"I'm concerned because, as a border governor, we've got fires, we've got drought," he said.
Before signing off on the plan, Richardson said he wants more answers.
A New Mexico National Guard task force already helps track illegal immigrants and drug smugglers along the border. For more than a decade, the Guard has coordinated border efforts with the Border Patrol, performing such duties as using infrared and heat-seeking equipment to detect concealed drugs or illegal immigrants.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is prepared to commit his Guard troops, but he said Wednesday it would have to be on a temporary basis.
The governors of Texas and Arizona have said they will go along with Bush's plan.
All the border governors have said they have concerns about federal reimbursements for the costs their states might incur.
Federal officials have said the Guard troops would be used for engineering, road and fence construction, transportation, logistics and surveillance.
Richardson said he wants to know what the rules of engagement will be and if New Mexico National Guardsmen will be stationed along the state's border with Mexico or if the troops will be from other states.
Rep. Steve Pearce (news, bio, voting record), R-N.M., is cautiously optimistic about the Guard's role along the border.
While the deployment could be helpful, Pearce said: "I remain concerned that the president's plan relegating the Guard to a support role won't enable them to provide the Border Patrol with enough relief."
He said he will monitor the situation before making a final judgment.
Rep. Tom Udall (news, bio, voting record), D-N.M., agrees with many of Bush's border proposals, but he views the Guard deployment as shortsighted.
"We cannot afford to overextend our National Guard because the Congress has failed to enact serious and comprehensive legislation on immigration," he said.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson announces several initiatives to redesign high school education in New Mexico during a news conference at Mayfield High School Wednesday, May 24, 2006, in Las Cruces, N.M. (AP Photo/Ellis Neel)
"My concern is that I want the Border Patrol to be the primary law enforcement on the border and not the National Guard" ummm, isn't that precisely what Bush's plan calls for?
I guess MLB is calling again.
ping
I wish our gov't would let people like me in on the plan. They seem to think an invasion from south american countries is a good thing. They all seem to be on board on this. There is something here I am not seeing, but what I am seeing is no social security for me.
So, he pretends that he thinks that deporting the illegals wouldn't work...or that they cannot afford to spare the National Guard or that a wall wouldn't be effective....but in reality he doesn't want enforcement of immmigration laws because he knows that these measures would be effective
Legalization is just, humane and necessary. In the traditions of this country, it will eliminate the underclass that exists right now. It will allow 5, 7, 9, 3 million people to come out of bondage....
--Representative Bill Richardson in 1986
I want the National Guard to do their Constitutional duty and protect the nation from invasion. It doesn't matter if a Governor supports the invasion and wants it to continue.
But they are known to be fairly hard workers. As they become legal and move up the ladder, you may end up with more social security, not less.
In a way , I wish it would be Hillary and Bill Richardson in -08. ;-)..
but no party would be that nuts to run that ticket.. or would they? lolol
The "Dreaming" part of your screen name fits. First of all many are not hard working, that is BS. Some are hard working, some are lazy and worthless, some are criminals, and some are welfare cheats. I would not depend on them to save Social Security, it is more likely they will bankrupt our country and ruin the America we know and love.
And, if you're wrong?
susie
More posturing by the "Greasy Rutabaga"
This way the infusion of new workers might help to shore it up.
Dream on.
susie
But many are and they will contribute. As for the others, if they become legal, they will have to get off welfare eventually just like any citizen. When our population isn't reproducing the way it should be, this could help SS in the long run.
He*s such an idiot. IF he doesn*t already know the answer to this question, it*s because he hasn*t been paying attention. He could pick up the phone and call Bush if he REALLY wanted to know, but since he*s "King Bill" he wants everyone to do things his way!
Oh...OK.
So the controlling notion in whether millions of people who broke the laws of the United States should be rewarded with the right to rule us (that's what the vote is, BTW) is....the remote possibility that they could somehow prop up a Socialist income redistribution plan.
Got it. Illegal Immigration, the ethnic transformation of the United States, who will rule us....all of these are subsidiary to....how well will it promote Socialism.
Got it.
No...I never said that.
Amazing how hyperbolic comments get on these immigration threads. Sheesh.
As far as curriculum changes, you can be sure that the new maps that kids in New Mexico will study will display the state as "occupied territory (currently)", someday to be returned to Mexico Integral. Or to be part of Nueva Aztlan.
"I'm concerned because, as a border governor, we've got fires, we've got drought," he said.
Bill, engage brain before opening mouth.
That's a false premise, SD. Citizens don't have to get off welfare.
The argument you are making was used back in '86 when Amnesty was given. As it turns out, what the argument suggests never happened.
What makes you think the same argument is valid now?
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