Edited release
05/31/23
Governor Kim Reynolds’ office announced Tuesday that approximately 100 Iowa National Guard troops and 30 Department of Public Safety personnel will be deployed this summer to help secure the U.S. Southern border.
The announcement comes one week after Reynolds and fellow Republican Governors received a security briefing from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and a request to support Operation Lone Star to help secure the border following the end of Title 42.
Reynolds called the border crisis, quote, “a direct result of a dereliction of duty by President Biden.” She said the threat of fentanyl and the cartels necessitated the action by Republican governors.
The approximately 100 Iowa National Guard troops will deploy for 30 days in August. The 30 Department of Public Safety personnel will deploy for 30 days in September.
The release from the Governor’s office states that during the first deployment involving approximately 30 Iowa State troopers in June 2021, they assisted with 240 criminal arrests, 51 vehicle pursuits and seizures of 948 pounds of marijuana, 37 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine, 18 firearms, and $1.7 million dollars.