State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, is taking issue with Gov. Rick Perry’s executive action to activate the Texas National Guard along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Hinojosa applauded the efforts of the Department of Public Safety’s border surge Operation Strong Safety, which is a state-led effort to provide more security along the border and plug up any holes that cartels may be using for criminal activity.
"And the reality is that for us to have a military presence and the rationale being used is that crime is increasing, then using the same rationale we ought to have the National Guard stationed in Houston or Dallas or even San Antonio,” Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa said he sees the National Guard’s deployment as a waste of time and state money. He said this is a humanitarian crisis.
“The cartels are not invading Texas, the fact is that what we need is more resources to help feed, clothe and house and provide healthy check-ups to the these families coming across the border,” Hinojosa said.
He said a vast majority of his constituents are opposed to sending troops to the border. Hinojosa said the issue has become so politicized that no one can truly discuss what needs to be done.
