Military chief says US troops won't go to border

Military chief says US troops won't go to border

The Associated Press
Posted: 04/17/2009 10:35:27 AM MDT

SUNLAND PARK, N.M.—The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says there are no immediate plans to send U.S. troops to the border with Mexico.

Adm. Michael Mullen toured a brief stretch of the border near El Paso, Texas, on Friday with the U.S. Border Patrol. But he says his trip should not be taken as a sign of any intentions to send the military to the area as drug violence continues to plague Mexico.

Mullen says his briefings from military and border officials were to ensure continued cooperation among authorities.

Governors and members of Congress are increasingly calling for troops to help defend against drug violence spilling into the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the administration is considering it.

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