Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Parker supports governor’s decision to activate national guard

State Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) announced Tuesday his support for Governor Rick Perry’s executive action to deploy up to 1,000 National Guard troops to the Texas-Mexico border.

The additional manpower will complement the ongoing efforts of Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and federal border patrol agents, and comes on the heels of state leaders appropriating an additional $1.3 million per week to fund a surge in law enforcement operations along the border region.

In announcing his support for the initiative, Parker stated, “Earlier this month when I toured the region I saw firsthand how stretched thin our resources along the border are and I even witnessed multiple individuals being apprehended trying to illegally enter Texas, some carrying illegal contraband.  Our hardworking troopers are doing the best job they possibly can but the facts are simple, they are outnumbered and in need of more assistance.  Like our Governor, I support fully equipping them with the resources they need to achieve the mission they’ve been given.”

The Governor’s executive action is estimated to result in a $12 million per month increase in border security resources and it symbolizes Texas’ continued commitment to combat our ongoing border crisis.  When coupled with the 50 percent increase in border security funding appropriated in the current state budget and the $1.3 million law enforcement surge announced last month, the deployment of the National Guard represents the largest investment in border security operations in Texas’ history.

“We must continue to provide more resources in order to eliminate the criminal activity associated with an unsecure border,” Parker stated in closing.  “The tragic story of a young girl in Parker County recently sexually attacked by an individual four times previously deported is a stark reminder that more than 600,000 crimes have been committed in Texas since 2008 by over 200,000 people residing here illegally.  Our situation has evolved into a public safety crisis that we must address for both the well-being of Texas citizens and for those attempting to come here illegally that are being exploited by international gangs and drug cartels.”      

Initially elected in November 2006, Parker represents both rural and urban parts of Denton County which encompasses the communities of Flower Mound, Argyle, Lantana, Dish, Ponder, Justin, Northlake, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, Trophy Club, Roanoke and portions of Lewisville, Fort Worth, Highland Village, Westlake and Southlake.

Serving in his fourth term in the Texas Legislature, Parker is focusing his efforts on economic development, job creation, strengthening border security and immigration policy, promoting fiscally responsible government spending, providing a strong public education system, enhancing public safety and protecting family values.  

Parker is the current Chairman of the Corrections Committee.  He also serves on the Land and Resource Management Committee, the Criminal Procedure Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Trafficking.

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