Note to the Press – State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City), Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Denny Zent (R-Angola) issued the following statements in response to Gov. Eric Holcomb's decision to deploy the Indiana National Guard to support the ongoing border security mission in Texas. Following the recent direct request from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Holcomb announced he will send 50 Hoosier guardsmen to help the Texas National Guard during a 10-month deployment:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2024) – "After visiting Eagle Pass, Texas, late last year and witnessing illegal crossings and chaos at the border along with the negative impacts taking place as a result, I'm grateful that Governor Holcomb is taking action and deploying members of the Indiana National Guard to our southern border," said State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City).
"Sending members of the Indiana National Guard to Texas sends a strong message that we support them and their efforts to address the ongoing illegal immigration crisis. The events taking place at the border affect us all and is not just a Texas problem. I'm grateful to our servicemen and women who are willing and ready to support our friends, and fellow Americans, and serve our great nation," said State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn).
"The influx of illegal immigrants and resulting chaos that has been created are an increase security risk to our country and the inaction of the Biden Administration needs to be addressed. As a veteran, I fully support Governor Holcomb standing with Governor Abbott deploying our Guardsmen to the Texas border," said State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
Click here for a link to the governor's release.
Background: In January, State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City), Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Denny Zent (R-Angola) signed onto a joint letter, along with many of their House colleagues, calling on Gov. Eric Holcomb to send Indiana guardsman to support the Texas border security mission. Click here for a copy of the letter.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
