SAN DIEGO—On May 9, 2018, as part of Operation Guardian Support, the U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector welcomed 108 California National Guard personnel.
Operation Guardian Support (OGS) includes the deployment of National Guard troops to San Diego and will fill vital, non-enforcement support roles such as: communications specialists, camera operators, vehicle mechanics, intelligence analysts, administration clerks, and range safety officers.
The support of the National Guard will allow Border Patrol agents on detailed assignments to return to the field to focus their law enforcement efforts on securing the border by preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States between official U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry. The Border Patrol is responsible also for preventing the illicit trafficking of people and contraband between the official ports of entry.
National Guard personnel will report to Border Patrol stations and programs throughout the San Diego Sector’s area of responsibility. They have received familiarization training associated with their assigned duties and responsibilities. The support of the National Guard will allow Border Patrol agents on non law enforcement assignments to return to the field to focus on their law enforcement efforts of securing the border.
their Border Patrol briefing on
May 9, 2018.
“National Guard units are a tremendous force multiplier and will assist the Border Patrol in providing valuable logistical and administrative support,” stated San Diego Sector Chief Rodney S. Scott. “This support will be an immediate, short-term measure that enables Border Patrol agents to return to the border; increasing national security.”
The United States Border Patrol has a proud history of collaborating with the California National Guard. In 2006, Operation Jump Start consisted of National Guard personnel assisting agents with border security and in 2010, Operation Phalanx involved personnel deployed along the border.
The Department of Defense is supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with National Guard personnel operating under title 32 U.S.C. § 502. Under this authority, National Guard personnel may support operations or missions requested by the President or the Secretary of Defense. In this case, the National Guard is operating in support of DHS pursuant to the order of the President. In Title 32 status, the National Guard is ordered to duty by their respective state governors and remain under the command and control of the state governors.