Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told Newsmax on Friday it would be dangerous for President Joe Biden to heed calls by some Democrats and federalize the Texas National Guard over inflamed tensions over the crisis at the U.S. southern border.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is employing his National Guard to continue to build razor wire along the Rio Grande River that separates the U.S. from Mexico to thwart what he calls an invasion of illegal immigrants into his state. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Customs and Border Patrol agents can cut the wire down.
Texas Democrat Reps. Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar have since called on Biden to federalize the Texas National Guard because of Abbott's defiance. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday at a briefing when asked about federalizing the troops, "I don't have any decisions with respect to that to speak to for the President."
"That's like throwing a match on a powder keg," Stitt told "American Agenda." Remember, these are Texans, and I've talked to the National Guard in Texas. I know what our soldiers are thinking about. I've even met Border Patrol officers, and they'll even privately tell you, this makes no sense whatsoever, It's super dangerous. If President Biden tries to pull that stunt, then he's also telling the American people, 'Hey, I'm trying to escalate the situation, and I'm also trying to federalize troops to just continue this invasion.'
"The only possible explanation is he thinks that this helps him in his next election with more voters … or he's not making these decisions, and nobody is giving him the information. Nobody that loves America would make the decisions that you're seeing happen right now."
Stitt is one of 25 Republican governors who voiced support for Abbott's declaration that Texas has a constitutional right of self defense under Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3. Stitt said he sent Oklahoma National Guard troops to the border to help Texas once, and he and other governors will do so again if Biden tries to federalize Texas' National Guard.
"Every state is a border state, and when you have 6 million people illegally coming into our country, I don't know why everybody in America [isn't] outraged at President Biden's administration right now," Stitt said. "They are cutting razor wire, letting the invasion happen. Of course, we stand with Gov. Abbott. I've already sent troops one time to the southern border. I'm going do it again as soon as the timing is right, as soon as Gov. Abbott needs that.
"There's already 28 [land] ports of entry [in Texas] and it's illegal to enter the country anywhere but those ports of entry. All that razor wire does is keep people from entering except where they're supposed to. The last time I flew to Mexico, or any country for that matter, I landed at an airport, and went through customs and had to show my passport. Every other country except for ours right now, and it's just so political, and I think the American people are frustrated as all get-out."
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE -- See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com