Louisiana allocates funds to support Texas border security, first Louisiana National Guard troops arrive soon
Texas – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill 19 into law, which sets aside money to send Louisiana National Guard (LANG) troops to help Texas. This is a big step toward making the border between the US and Mexico safer with Louisiana direct contribution in the process. This new development, which was announced on March 7, is in response to the current crisis at the border. The Louisiana Legislature quickly passed the bill during a special session.
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The approved bill allocates $3 million towards the initiative. This will pay for things like the troops’ pay, allowances, transportation, lodging, and meals. According to the current plan, LANG is going to send 50 troops to Texas at a time, rotating them every 30 days to make sure they are always there to help.
The adjutant general of Louisiana, Brig. Gen. Thomas Friloux, is convinced that the troops are ready and able to do their jobs.
“The soldiers we’re sending to the border are ready to support the state of Texas. They’re trained, capable, and are going to work well with their Texas counterparts,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, underscoring the commitment and preparedness of the Louisiana soldiers.
Since it began in 2021, Operation Lone Star has been Texas’s strategy to use the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to make the border safer. Louisiana’s involvement in this funding shows that the problems at the southern border can only be solved by working together.
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The deployment plan is set to start immediately, with the first group of LANG soldiers starting their task in Texas no later than March 15. The mission will last until June 12, ensuring a sustained effort in support of border security operations. Soldiers from the 2-108th Cavalry Squadron in Shreveport will be in charge of the first rotations. Soldiers from the 61st Troop Command in Carville, Louisiana, will be in charge of the last cycle.
Governor Landry’s decision to sign the bill into law not only highlights Louisiana’s commitment to national security but also showcases the state’s willingness to work collaboratively with neighboring Texas. As Brig. Gen. Friloux puts it, the leadership is confident in the capability of their soldiers to make a significant impact.
“I am confident that we are sending the best group of soldiers to support Texas. Our unit command team understands how to take care of soldiers and accomplish the mission,” said Friloux.
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This project is a turning point in the ongoing work to protect the border between the United States and Mexico, and Louisiana is playing a key role in helping its neighboring state.
