John McCain to Obama: 1,200 Border Troops Not Enough

By James King Mon., Jun. 28 2010 at 5:20 PM

Categories: Immigration Spotlight

Federal officials met with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Attorney General Terry Goddard today and promised that 524 of the pledged 1,200 National Guard troops would be deployed to the Arizona/ Mexico border by August or September -- but Senator John McCain isn't satisfied.

Following the announcement, McCain issued a statement claiming the federal government was about 4,800 troops short of what he says is needed to secure the border as part of his and Senator Jon Kyl's "10-point plan."

Check out McCain's full statement after the jump.

"While I appreciate President Obama deploying1,200 National Guard troops to the United States-Mexico border, this is simply not enough. I know from first-hand experience that 524 National Guard troops along the Arizona-Mexico border is not sufficient to ensure the safety of the citizens of State of Arizona and protect its 370 mile border with Mexico.

"If the President had visited the Arizona-Mexico border, he would know that at least 6,000 National Guard troops are necessary to assist in securing the entire Southwest border. It is for this reason that the members of the Senate's Armed Services Committee, both Democrats and Republicans, voted to deploy 6,000 National Guard troops to the border despite the President's actions. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that the full 6,000 National Guard troops are deployed."

Along with the troops coming to Arizona, 224 troops will head to California, 72 to New Mexico, and 250 to Texas.