Gov. Brad Little is sending five Idaho State Police troopers to the United State-Mexico border, Little announced Thursday.
The 21-day mission begins July 6 and will cost the state $53,391, Little said. The team of five troopers will assist Arizona State troopers in intercepting drugs at the border, he said.
In a written statement, Little blamed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for what he called failed immigration policies that led to a “crisis at the United States-Mexico border and the alarming bump in illegal drug activity.”
“Our specialized team will help curb the flow of illegal drug smuggling and organized crime into our country and our state, and the troopers will gain valuable hands-on training that will improve their ability to serve the people of Idaho when they return,” Little said in the statement.
He said he decided to send the troopers after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Greg Ducey sent a letter to governors last month requesting additional law enforcement support at the border.
The costs for the five troopers’ mission breaks down as follows: $16,149 in travel and other expenses and $37,242 in personnel costs, according to Little’s office. Idaho State Police leaders are ensuring the troopers’ duties at home will be covered during the deployment, Little said.
Governors of Florida, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska also joined Idaho in lending support at the border, Little said.
The Idaho State Police troopers will be cross deputized with the state of Arizona and have the same authority as Arizona State troopers, Little’s office said.
