VAN TRAN AND ASSEMBLY GOP DELEGATION CALL ON PRESIDENT BUSH TO SECURE THE CALIFORNIA/MEXICO BORDER

30 Republican Assemblymembers Join Tran Letter To Continue Vital National Guard Border Operations Which End July 1 When Federal Funding Runs Out, Leaving The Border Patrol Understaffed.

SACRAMENTO - This week 30 GOP Assemblymembers joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's call for President Bush to continue funding for National Guard troops assisting the Border Patrol in our nation's frontline defense against terrorism and illegal traffickers.  The letter was initiated by Assemblyman Van Tran after Tran led a 20-member delegation from Orange County on a helicopter tour of the California/Mexico border last month.

The delegation letter states that:

"Controlling our border would dramatically stem the flow of illegal immigration, illegal drugs, and human trafficking.  We are all very pleased that California's National Guard is playing a key role in securing the border, but the job is not yet complete.

These combined efforts have proven to have tremendous success in reducing illegal border crossings and limiting the influx of narcotics and human trafficking.  Most importantly, this increased presence on the border acts as a critical deterrent to the entry of terrorists.  In light of these successes and the strong partnership forged between the U.S. Border Patrol and the California National Guard, we cannot afford to jeopardize the safety and security of our fellow Americans by removing personnel prematurely."

Gov. Schwarzenegger authorized the deployment of California National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in June 2006 after President Bush asked governors across the region to deploy troops to beef up border security and aid U.S. border agents as part of Operation Jump Start.

About 6,000 National Guard troops deployed the first year of the operation across the Southwestern border of the United States -- 1,200 in California alone. National Guard Troops have assisted the Border Patrol for nearly two years, but their mission at the border will end July 1 when Federal funding runs out, leaving the Border Patrol understaffed.  The Border Patrol will need about 3,000 more agents, nationally, to replace National Guard troops who will begin leaving in June.

"Leaving our Border Patrol Agents short-staffed is the last thing we should be doing," said Tran.  "We must take action to preserve the number of personnel protecting our borders, protecting our citizens, and protecting California.  It is essential that our National Guard Troops stay at the border as new Border Patrol Agents are recruited and trained to fill the remaining 3,000 slots."

There are currently 610 California National Guard Troops deployed in the southwest border region to provide operational support to the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol.  The National Guards' support roles include: operating surveillance systems, analyzing intelligence, installing fences and vehicle barriers, building patrol roads and providing training.