FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 19, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Steele
[email protected]
225-788-0095
Louisiana Works to Support Texas’ Border Efforts
BATON ROUGE (February 19, 2024) – The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) has officially received a request from Texas to help with security on the Southern Border. Governor Jeff Landry has approved sending Louisiana National Guard troops to Texas during a news conference on the border earlier this month. Several other governors also pledged their support during the same event.
The request from Texas was submitted through a state to state assistance system called the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC.) EMAC offers assistance during an emergency or disaster through a responsive, straightforward system that allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.
EMAC establishes a legal foundation for sharing resources. Once the conditions for providing assistance to a requesting state have been set, the terms constitute a legally binding agreement. The EMAC legislation solves the problems of liability and responsibilities of cost and allows for credentials, licenses and certifications to be honored across state lines.
GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux said, “Texas has historically stood with Louisiana during any of our major emergencies. Governor Landry has made it clear that we will stand by Texas and offer support as they attempt to secure the Southern Border. The request has been forwarded to the governor as the deployment plans are ironed out.”
"We're ready to provide trained and professional Soldiers to assist Texas with protecting the Southern Border of the United States," stated Brig. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana.
As part of the request, Texas officials say a secure international border with Mexico benefits the entire nation. Texas is asking the other states to absorb the costs associated with the troop deployment. Specifically, Texas seeks help with security points, roving patrols and engineer operations along its 1,250 miles of border. The request is for 50 personnel in platoon sized elements, including leadership and certain equipment.
Find more tips on emergency preparedness, response and recovery on GOHSEP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Download and subscribe to The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast. The Get A Game Plan App is another resource available to help you and your family prepare for any type emergency. You can download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.
###
