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CA National Guard border duty could be delayed

Amy Isackson

KPBS SAN DIEGO (2006-05-30) It is unlikely California National Guard troops will arrive at the border before the beginning of July, if at all. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Last week, the Chief of the National Guard told Washington lawmakers 800 agents could be stationed border wide by the beginning of June.

But California National Guard spokesman John Siepmann says troops will not arrive at California's border that quickly. He says his agency and the Border Patrol are still working out deployment details.

Siepmann: "We've taken a look at a variety of missions that they believe they need support with for instance transportation, engineering assets to continue to build the border fence, administrative support and aerial photography."

Siepmann says they also must determine if California troops are equipped to carry out these activities, or if they need to call in troops from other states.

Ultimately, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger must approve any deployment. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.