200 Kansas Army troops sent to U.S.-Mexico border
FORT RILEY (KSNT) - Soldiers from Fort Riley are being sent to the U.S.-Mexico border this week as part of a push to build up security in the region.
Mark Otte with Fort Riley said in a press release on Jan. 25 that 200 soldiers from Kansas will be sent south as part of this deployment. The troops hail from Fort Riley, home of the 1st Infantry Division.
The office of Kansas Congressional Senator Dr. Roger Marshall issued a press release on Jan. 25 regarding the situation. In it, he thanked the men and women being sent to the border for their service to the nation.
“My heart is with Kansas families and loved ones as soldiers from Fort Riley are sent to protect and secure our borders," Marshall said. "Kansans and Americans across the country extend our deepest gratitude to them for keeping us safe."
U.S Northern Command announced on Jan. 24 that multiple elements from the U.S. military would be sent to the border, including members of the Army coming from Kansas. These include the 977th Military Police Company and 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored, both from Fort Riley.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced on Jan. 22 that 1,500 active-duty members of the military were being sent south to augment 2,500 other troops already in the area which are supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). President Donald Trump declared a "National Emergency at the Southern Border" earlier in the week.
"America’s sovereignty is under attack. Our southern border is overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, known terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, unvetted military-age males from foreign adversaries, and illicit narcotics that harm Americans, including America."
President Donald Trump 'Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States' statement excerpt
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