Source: PRESS RELEASE, 1/4/12

Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) has joined Texas Republican Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) in urging President Barack Obama not to reduce the presence of U.S. National Guard troops along the U.S.-Mexico border this coming year. In a letter to the president, Jones and a bipartisan group of lawmakers cited their deep concerns with recent reports that the Obama Administration plans to withdraw half of the National Guard troops currently in the region.

“The violent crimes along our southern border have escalated substantially in recent years,” said Jones. “These crimes are not just taking place on the Mexico side; innocent Americans are in frequent danger. It is of the utmost importance that our National Guard maintains a strong presence along our southern border in order to protect the American people.”

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reported that the U.S. Border Patrol only has operational control of 44 percent of the southern U.S. border. While this number is disappointing, it illustrates the need for the continued presence of the National Guard to help secure the border.

The full text of Congressman Jones’ letter to President Obama can be read here.