DES MOINES – Governor Reynolds has announced that eight troopers and two sergeants from the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) will deploy March 31, 2024 to Texas in support of Operation Lone Star and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The deployment will last 28 days and conclude on April 27, 2024.
The Iowa National Guard will deploy on two missions to support Operation Lone Star. The first deployment will begin April 1, 2024 and conclude May 3, 2024 with 110 personnel supporting the Texas Military Department’s security objectives. The second deployment will begin April 1, 2024 and conclude September 30, 2024 with 5 personnel providing ground vehicle maintenance and public affairs support.
Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statement regarding the state’s support of Operation Lone Star:
“These deployments will help Texas on the frontlines of this crisis. I am grateful to all the members of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Iowa National Guard for volunteering for the deployment. It’s a testament to their leadership and willingness to serve.”
All costs will be covered by federal funding allocated to Iowa from the American Rescue Plan – funds passed by Democrats vehemently opposed by Reynolds and Republicans. States are given flexibility in how this funding can be used provided it supports the provision of government services.
Earlier this year, President Biden and Democrats along with Republicans brought forth a strong border bill, but Republicans in the House blocked the bill after taking directive from Donald Trump.
(TOP PICTURE: Kim Reynolds in summer 2023 at the Texas border for press conference with Texas Governor Greg Abbott)
