At Hearing, Udall Presses for Border Patrol Support, Increased Resources to Combat Drug Trafficking

WASHINGTON - Today, at a hearing of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense, U.S. Senator Tom Udall urged the National Guard to maintain and enhance support for the U.S. Border Patrol's anti-drug trafficking activities in New Mexico. Udall told General Frank J. Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, that he has serious concerns about the impacts of transnational drug trafficking in the Bootheel region, and he pressed for additional resources to increase border security.

"The Bootheel region in New Mexico borders Mexico on two sides," Udall said. "And for many years we have heard serious concerns about drug trafficking moving through this remote, rugged territory. The Border Patrol officers tell me they actually need more horses to patrol it. The National Guard's assets and expertise can be force multipliers to help the Border Patrol cover more territory."

Udall said that his staff recently attended a community meeting about border security in Animas, and that he has also heard concerns about future funding to combat increased drug trafficking from the New Mexico National Guard. The National Guard Counterdrug Program helps support Border Patrol's operations with infrared cameras, nighttime air support and surveillance staff. Udall thanked Grass for this invaluable support, and asked whether the Guard has the necessary funding to continue its mission in New Mexico.

"I am concerned that the National Guard's support for the Border Patrol has not been sufficiently funded going forwards," Udall continued. "We have heard that the number of National Guard teams in New Mexico could be cut in half. And the Guard's four helicopters that it uses for Border Patrol operations are limited to about six months of flight time a year."

Grass committed to working with Udall to ensure that the National Guard continues to support New Mexico border security with aviation units and other resources.

Udall also asked Grass whether the National Guard could better allocate its drug trafficking resources to provide more support to border states on the front lines of the transnational drug trade: "My understanding is that the National Guard Bureau provides funding to all states and four territories to defeat drug trafficking through a 'Threat Based Resource Model.' We've heard that Guard anti-drug funding could be better allocated to stop drug trafficking at the border. And the southern border is certainly the major drug trafficking route."

Grass said he is open to revisiting the threat-based funding model and working with the Guard's Adjunct Generals in the states, local communities and other stakeholders on changes to more adequately address the fluid threat along the border, particularly given the recent rise in heroin abuse.