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February 9, 2024
Utah House Democratic Leadership Team on Governor Cox Sending Utah National Guard, Troopers to U.S. Southern Border
“We disagree with the governor’s decision to deploy troops to the Texas border and respectfully call for a reevaluation of this action. The deployment of Utah National Guard members and state troopers, expected to cost taxpayers $150,000, raises significant concerns, particularly if extended.
It’s imperative to emphasize that the portrayal of the humanitarian border crisis as solely marked by an influx of people and drugs is grossly misleading. A significant number of arrivals consist of asylum seekers fleeing dire circumstances, while drugs often enter through legal border crossings. Comprehensive immigration reform is urgently needed to address the multifaceted challenges at the border effectively. Deploying troops fails to address the underlying issues, in no way addresses the underlying crisis, and ensures missed opportunities to pursue truly meaningful solutions.
We firmly believe that it is not in the best interest of our state for the governor to allocate state resources. Instead, he should continue to urge our federal delegation to prioritize and enact comprehensive immigration reform. We advocate for a more thoughtful approach that prioritizes the well-being of Utah taxpayers and those seeking asylum.”
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