Gov. Brown To Deploy 400 National Guard Troops Statewide

SAN DIEGO, CA – Gov. Jerry Brown has responded to Washington's call for help along the U.S.-Mexico border. Brown announced on Wednesday that California will accept federal funding to add about 400 National Guard members statewide.

In a letter to federal officials, Brown said the additional troops would support the state's effort to "combat transnational crime." Because the troops will be added statewide, it was unclear exactly how many will be sent to the border.

California's transnational crime program targets transnational criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers along the border, the coast and throughout the state, Brown said. The program currently includes 250 personnel statewide, including 55 at the border.

"But let's be crystal clear on the scope of this mission," Brown wrote. "This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws."

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