HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Directive Four, Deploying Targeted Resources in Response to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact Request from the State of Texas to Address the Ongoing Southern U.S. Border Crisis.
Due to "continued instability" along the U.S. border with Mexico, including the increase in supply of illegal drugs and human trafficking, Texas officials made a request for assistance to all states and territories through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), of which Virginia is a founding member.
On May 16, Texas requested states provide military support to assist in managing such conditions, and per Gov. Abbott's request, Virginia will be deploying 100 troops.
The governor says fentanyl and illicit drugs flowing over our border are devastating Virginia families and communities, an average of five Virginians die per day from fentanyl.
“The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As leadership solutions at the federal level fall short, states are answering the call to secure our southern border, reduce the flow of fentanyl, combat human trafficking and address the humanitarian crisis. Following a briefing from Governor Abbott last week, Virginia is joining other states to deliver on his request for additional assistance. Given the intensive resource demands on Texas, the dangers posed by the fentanyl crisis, and impact of the border crisis on criminal activity to the Commonwealth, Virginia will do its part to assist the State of Texas’ efforts with the coordinated deployment of Virginia National Guard soldiers to assist in key aspects of their mission.”
Sen. Tim Kaine released the following statement:
“The right way to address our challenges at the border is not just to freelance, but to work in accord with federal border officials to execute a smart strategy. Did Governor Youngkin even approach U.S. Customs and Border Protection to see how the Virginia Guard might help, or is this just another political stunt where two Republican governors are seeking headlines? If the latter is the case, that’s a horrible way to use the talented people of the Virginia National Guard.”
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