Walker supports taking Trump’s border militarization order ‘a step further’

After President Donald Trump signed an executive order to use troops to secure the Mexican border, Gov. Scott Walker showed his support Monday by offering to send the state’s own National Guard despite significant criticism from state Democrats.

In an interview with conservative talk radio host Jay Weber on WISN radio, Walker said not only does he agree with the president’s decision, but he “would take it a step further.”

Walker’s support has lead to strong criticism from Wisconsin Democrats. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., sent a letter to Walker early on Monday urging him to not send troops. Pocan’s letter argues that arrests at the border are at a historical low and the plan is wrong for Wisconsin.

“President Trump is not sending troops to the southern border to stop the flow of drugs from Mexico. It is clear that his goal is to apprehend migrants, many of whom are children fleeing violence in their home countries,” Pocan said. “Sending members of the Wisconsin National Guard to militarize the border against unarmed men, women, and children is absurd.”

Despite low arrest rates at the border, Walker replied, arguing the flow of illegal drugs across the southern border poses a threat to Wisconsin.

“As Governor, I want to ensure the safety of all of our citizens, and I want to reduce access to illegal drugs,” Walker said in a letter to Congressman Pocan. “I welcome President Donald Trump’s aggressive actions to secure our nation’s southern border.”