Note to the Press – State Reps. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) and Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) 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 guardsman to help the Texas National Guard during a 10-month deployment:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2024) – "Illegal immigration is not just a Texas problem, but an issue that concerns every state's right to sovereignty and safety. Indiana has a strong track record of helping the Lone Star State secure the southern border, and now is the time to act. I pray for the well-being of these Hoosiers as they prepare to join Texas' effort to bolster our nation's security," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour).
"This crisis stems from a clear failure from Washington D.C. to secure our border, and I'm in full support of Governor Holcomb's decision to send Hoosier National Guard members to help. Under the Biden Administration, Texas has had to deal with a tsunami-size wave of illegal immigration and drugs coming from across the border, leaving them and the rest of nation vulnerable as the problem spreads. I'm proud of Indiana for taking a stand and supporting Texas," said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus).
Click here for a link to the governor's release.
Background: State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) recently traveled to Texas to hand deliver a letter of support to the office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for taking action to secure the border between the United States and Mexico. While there, Lucas visited Eagle Pass, which is on the border and just east of the Rio Grande River, where Texas National Guard members are deployed to stem the tide of illegal border crossings. Attached is a copy of Lucas' letter. In January, Lucas and State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) 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. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
