South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a “war zone” last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there.
The Defense Department will help Customs and Border Protection contract for some transportation and facilities needed to process migrants crossing the border.
Never before has Texas — or any other state — involuntarily activated so many troops under state active duty authority for such a long-term mission. Nor has it been done so quickly.
By Davis Winkie and James Barragán, The Texas Tribune