In June 2014, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced the deployment of 1,000 Texas National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in response to the surge in illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the area. The deployment was estimated to cost the state $12 million per month, and it was funded by the Texas Legislature.
The Texas National Guard troops were tasked with providing support to local law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Border Patrol. They were also authorized to use deadly force if necessary to protect themselves or others.
The deployment of the Texas National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border was controversial. Some people argued that it was necessary to address the problems of illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the area, while others argued that it was a waste of money and that the federal government should be responsible for securing the border.
The Texas National Guard troops were withdrawn from the U.S.-Mexico border in September 2014, after the Texas Legislature failed to approve funding for their continued deployment.**
