NEWARK, NJ – Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a significant escalation in the deployment of the California National Guard to combat drug smuggling, focusing particularly on the opioid fentanyl.
At least that’s what his administration is trying to push today, after he supported open borders since taking office. While doubling the number of National Guard members at the border might seem impressive. Let’s take a look at the facts.
The number of service members in the Counter Drug Taskforce has been increased from 155 to nearly 400. These personnel are stationed statewide and at crucial ports of entry along the border.
California’s National Guard has over 24,000 members.
The damage for much of America has already been done as states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are dealing with an influx of illegal migrants, healthcare, crime, and drugs caused by the Biden administration’s open border policies since 2020.
According to Newsom, the initiative aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and curb the influx of illegal drugs into California. The expanded deployment is a response to the initial success of the Taskforce, which has been active since 2022 when 30 members were first stationed at key ports including San Ysidro and Otay Mesa. By 2023, this number had already doubled due to the effectiveness of these measures.
Governor Newsom’s strategy includes using both air and ground resources to aid in criminal investigations and drug interdiction efforts. These efforts have led to substantial drug seizures, including 5.8 million pills containing fentanyl this year alone, and a record 62,224 pounds of fentanyl in 2023—a dramatic increase from previous years, but more than during the administration of the former President.
This enforcement surge is backed by a $30 million state investment and federal support, aimed at both strengthening security and supporting humanitarian efforts at the border. Despite the common misconception, the Department of Homeland Security reports that the majority of fentanyl smuggling is conducted through legal ports of entry by U.S. citizens, not by migrants seeking asylum.
In a video, Newsom blamed Republicans for America’s border crisis, a claim few outside of blue states actually believe.