DHS requests National Guard extension

By Jordy Yager - 05/17/11 05:42 PM ET


Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has asked Congress for permission to reprogram more than $30 million to keep the 1,200 National Guard troops along the U.S.-Mexico border until September.

The move comes as President Obama has pushed hard in recent weeks to reinvigorate the immigration debate among lawmakers on Capitol Hill, pronouncing the border more secure than it has ever been in recent years.

But many Republicans argue that illegal drugs, guns, money and immigrants are still being trafficked across the southwest border — until it is secured, they say, no serious talks can be had on reforming the country’s immigration system.

Obama began to intensely focus his efforts along the southwestern border last year as he requested — and Congress approved — $600 million in additional funding to bolster the ranks and equipment of federal and local law enforcement officials in the region.

As part of those ramped up efforts, Obama authorized 1,200 National Guardsmen to be deployed by California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas to provide material support for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Operation Phalanx.

But the guardsmen’s deployment is set to expire in June. After several calls from key Republican lawmakers, DHS has asked congressional appropriators for permission to reprogram more than $30 million to keep the troops in the region while more border patrol officials are trained and stationed to eventually take their place.

“Congress appropriates funds for these types of missions, and DHS is requesting a reprogramming through the end of FY11,â€