TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman Paul Kanitra of Ocean County has introduced the “United Border Security Act,” a bill that would require the New Jersey National Guard to provide support to Arizona and Texas in response to the border crisis. The proposed legislation seeks to assist in securing the U.S.-Mexico border and addressing illegal incursions in those states.
Kanitra emphasized that the bill aims to offer direct support to states heavily affected by illegal border crossings, despite New Jersey’s distance from the southern border. The measure would task the New Jersey National Guard with offering logistical and operational assistance to law enforcement agencies in Arizona and Texas.
However, the bill is expected to face significant challenges in the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
Analysts suggest that if it were to pass, it would likely be vetoed by Governor Phil Murphy, who has previously expressed opposition to similar measures. Critics argue that border security falls under federal jurisdiction and that deploying state resources to other regions may not align with New Jersey’s priorities.
The bill’s future remains uncertain as it heads to committee for review.
