Statement on President Trump's Plan to Send National Guard Troops to the U.S.-Mexico Border

PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement opposing President Trump's plan to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border:

“This appears to be a politically motivated effort to exploit anti-foreigner sentiment and appeal to his base. With border crossings at their lowest level in 46 years, this is a enormous waste of resources just like the President's multi-billion dollar border wall request. Under federal law, troops cannot enforce immigration policy without the special approval of Congress. I do not support this unwarranted and fiscally irresponsible use of Defense Department resources.”