On Thursday, a group of Republican lawmakers, most from the states along the southern border, proposed legislation that would appear to allow National Guard troops to use force along the southern border, but only when facing armed opponents – or for “other purposes.”
The bill, titled “Defend Our Borders from Armed Invaders Act,” was introduced by freshman Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, and has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
The legislation, if passed, would authorize the National Guard to take “such actions as may be necessary to repel persons attempting to enter the United States from Mexico who are carrying weapons, and for other purposes,” according to a description of the bill. The full text of the legislation has not been made public.
Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL, said in a statement that the legislation is necessary to stop cartels and smugglers who are…
