Gov. Lee deploys TN National Guard troops to southern border

Gov. Bill Lee visits Tennessee National Guard troops ahead of deployment to U.S. southern border

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee plans to send National Guard soldiers to the southern border to provide support to Texas. On Saturday, the governor paid a visit to those troops.

Gov. Lee met with those soldiers on Saturday, March 2 at the Millington Tennessee Army National Guard Armory.

Just last month, Gov. Lee committed to deploying two waves of active-duty soldiers to Texas.

This is the first deployment, which will send about 50 National Guard members as part of “Operation Lone Star.”

Gov. Bill Lee visits Tennessee National Guard troops ahead of deployment to U.S. southern border

“America continues to face an unprecedented border crisis, and people across the nation are experiencing the devastating consequences of rising crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Governors are working together, taking immediate action to do what the federal government won’t do, and that is secure our border. I commend Tennessee’s National Guard troops for answering this important call to service and providing critical support.”

The governor said these soldiers will provide critical support to Texas and Gov. Greg Abbott along the southern border.

He described the current issue as the “most severe border crisis” the nation has had in decades.

Many republican governors have vocalized their support for Texas as the Biden Administration tries to halt their efforts.

In addition, First Lady Maria Lee, U.S. Congressman David Kustoff, Sen. Ed Jackson, Sen. Brent Taylor, Rep. Chris Hurt, Rep. Debra Moody and Rep. Chris Todd joined Gov. Lee in visiting these troops.

Gov. Lee made the announcement to his social media pages on Monday.