Texas Governor Requests 1,000 More Troops

[SF-TX]

EL PASO, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry said Tuesday he has asked Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to send resources and "1,000 more troops" to the border in Texas as violence continues to mount in northern Mexico.

"I've been in direct contact with Secretary Napolitano ... and I've asked her for a substantial amount of technology, in the form of aviation assets as well as 1,000 more troops that we can commit to different parts of the border," Perry told reporters after meeting with state, local, and federal authorities at the Chamizal National Monument, just across the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez.

When asked to clarify if he was referring to law enforcement or military resources, Perry said, "I really don't care. As along as they are boots on the ground that are properly trained to deal with the border region, I don't care whether they are military troops, or National Guard troops or whether they are customs agents."

Perry, who has repeatedly said the federal government has not done its part to the secure the border, also said Tuesday he hoped to get widespread support from the Texas Legislature for a $135 million request for state-led security efforts.

State homeland security chief Steve McCraw said state efforts, combined with those from the federal government, would focus on violent Mexican drug cartel activities in Texas, including smuggling drugs north and guns and massive amounts of cash south.

Nearly 1,900 people have been killed in Juarez in the ongoing drug cartel war since January 2008.

As Perry, McCraw and former drug czar and retired Army General Barry McCaffrey spoke to reporters, several El Paso police officers stood guard in the sprawling border park, with assault rifles slung over their shoulders.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6279118.html

[Surgicalcric]

Seems things are getting a lil sporty down on our southern border...

[nmap]

As I view the reports about the developments in Mexico, I cannot help wondering if Texas is ready for a sudden and substantial influx of refugees. And, selfishly, what I can do to maintain my own safety in such a situation.

[Defender968]

Originally Posted by nmap

As I view the reports about the developments in Mexico, I cannot help wondering if Texas is ready for a sudden and substantial influx of refugees. And, selfishly, what I can do to maintain my own safety in such a situation.

Now would be a good time to take a critical look at your home and see how secure it is. Personally I would make sure all entry doors have deadbolts (keyed on both sides) on every door, and ensure you use them and take the key out of them. For windows they make a small lock kit which is basically a screw that goes in the side to ensure they can't be jimmied. Motion activated lights on all corners at least. Most home invasions the perp will come through the front door, the more you can discourage or defend against that the better of you’ll be, it's very difficult to make it impossible to get in to a home but being a hard target will help. There is a product called a door club that is very effective while you are home to keep intruders from being able to kick down the door.

These are just a few things off the top of my head, of course I would recommend a CCW if you don't already have one (if and only if you are willing to take a life if necessary) and a good home defense weapon, I would recommend a 12 or 20 gauge pump shotgun.

[Maytime]

When asked to clarify if he was referring to law enforcement or military resources, Perry said, "I really don't care. As along as they are boots on the ground that are properly trained to deal with the border region, I don't care whether they are military troops, or National Guard troops or whether they are customs agents."

Wouldn't the deployment of federal troops violate Posse Comitatus? Perhaps he could ask other states for NG troops, instead of the federal govt.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by Maytime

Wouldn't the deployment of federal troops violate Posse Comitatus?

Yep. Unless federalized under Title 10, Posse Comitatus doesn't apply.

[Richard]

Texas also has the TSG (Texas State Guard) which the Governor can use at will. It's a volunteer, para-military organization of Army (MP) and Air Force (F-16 and C-130) units which are used to support the NG and for things like post-disaster relief, etc. The TSG plays a role in helping to maintain public safety and order during natural disasters and when asked to assist local authorities in maintaining order. The Guard also participates in community activities such as crowd control and other functions at parades, air shows, and large civic events. TSG units were deployed to New Orleans for post-Katrina LE duties.

However, if the Governor uses the TSG, then Texas is the only one paying the bill...which goes counter to the idea of this new era of bipartisan bill paying programs.

Richard's $.02

[Go Devil]

Originally Posted by Richard

Texas also has the TSG (Texas State Guard) which the Governor can use at will. It's a volunteer, para-military organization of Army (MP) and Air Force (F-16 and C-130) units which are used to support the NG and for things like post-disaster relief, etc. The TSG plays a role in helping to maintain public safety and order during natural disasters and when asked to assist local authorities in maintaining order. The Guard also participates in community activities such as crowd control and other functions at parades, air shows, and large civic events. TSG units were deployed to New Orleans for post-Katrina LE duties.

However, if the Governor uses the TSG, then Texas is the only one paying the bill...which goes counter to the idea of this new era of bipartisan bill paying programs.

Richard's $.02

If only the good people of Texas had the God given right to keep and bear arms, or maybe, form some sort of militia.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Go Devil

If only the good people of Texas had the God given right to keep and bear arms, or maybe, form some sort of militia.

Never been down this way, have ya?

Richard's $.02

[Go Devil]

Originally Posted by Richard

Never been down this way, have ya?

Richard's $.02

Many, many times; hence the wink.