Posted on 12/05/2011 9:55:58 PM PST by moonshinner_09
HIDALGO, TEX. — President Obama’s decision last year to send 1,200 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border may have been smart politics, but a growing number of skeptics say the deployment is an expensive and inefficient mission that has made little difference in homeland security.
Critics of the deployment include budget hawks, who say it is a waste of money, and residents here along the border, who say they are tired of seeing armed troops in their back yard. State Department officials worry that the domestic use of U.S. troops increases the perception that the border is militarized, while Chamber of Commerce boosters say the National Guard presence sends the message that the American side of the border is a dangerous place, though it is not. Crime statistics show that the border is one of the safer regions in the country.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
“Crime statistics show that the border is one of the safer regions in the country.”
Chortle
“State Department officials worry...”
Damn straight!
Border Wars Ping.
They send these guys down here with no bullets.
I don’t even think they allow empty rifles.
They are completely restricted withe ROE.
As I recall, the deployments were carefully crafted to be ineffective.
As I recall, the NG is only allowed to “Observe and report”, they do not take illegals into custody, or seize contraband.
They are unarmed, and the ROE prohibit them actively engaging illegals or smugglers.
They just report to ICE (BP), who usually cannot arrive in time to do anything.
As I recall many of the “Observation Post” are several miles from the border, and poorly placed for effective observation.
As I recall the number of NG present divided by the number of miles, and divided into several shifts, is actually only a token force.
Please show me where my memory is faulty!
Sounds like it came out of Napolitano's mouth.
As I recall, the NG is only allowed to “Observe and report”, they do not take illegals into custody, or seize contraband.
You are correct with your assessment. I'll add this comment. There was an effort to get as many new legal Hispanic citizens as possible to fill the mission requirements. See anything wrong with that picture??
Ping!
Follow the money.
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