(MILLINGTON) Two waves of active Tennessee Army National Guard soldiers are packing for deployment along the Texas-Mexican border.

Governor Bill Lee visited the Millington base Saturday (3/2/2024) and noted, “America continues to face an unprecedented border crisis, and people across the nation are experiencing the devastating consequences of rising crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.”

The governor told the guardsmen that they will be safeguarding America against the most severe border crisis the United States has experienced in decades.

This first wave will total approximately 50 Tennessee National Guard members who volunteered to join “Operation Lone Star.”

Tennessee has a long history of supporting Texas in efforts to secure the border. While the current administration has attacked and sued Texas for stepping up to protect American citizens amid the continued spike in illegal crossings, human trafficking, and trafficking of deadly drugs like fentanyl, Tennessee has stood in the gap to provide resources.

Gov. Lee concluded, “America continues to face an unprecedented border crisis, and people across the nation are experiencing the devastating consequences of rising crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.”

Along with the governor, the entourage to Millington included First Lady Maria Lee, U.S. Congressman David Kustoff, Sen. Ed Jackson, Sen. Brent Taylor, Rep. Chris Hurt, Rep. Debra Moody, and Rep. Chris Todd.