Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, left; President Donald Trump, right. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)
Sanders said her former boss has skillfully secured the border and praised his efforts to "clean up the streets" in major cities, to the chagrin of Democratic municipal leaders.
"Arkansas stands with him every step of the way," Sanders added.
Arkansas National Guard Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges confirmed his servicemembers are ready to assist DHS, saying in a statement that they are committed to "focus on their core operations."
A total of 40 National Guardsmen in Fort Smith, Little Rock and Fayetteville will be activated for this mission.
GOP GOVERNOR GREENLIGHTS STATE TROOPERS TO JOIN ICE IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN
Sanders indicated they will assist in logistical support and transportation of illegal immigrant detainees – and remain unarmed.
Arkansas National Guard will also help DHS with the clerical side of the detainment and deportation process, allowing federal agents to focus on the hands-on efforts of capturing illegal immigrant criminals.
Prior to the news, Sanders signed the state’s Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, which stipulates enhanced penalties for illegal immigrants who commit crimes in Arkansas beyond simply being illicitly present in the Natural State.
Sanders has also expanded the state’s ban on sanctuary cities to include areas of the state not directly governed by municipalities, including many rural communities.
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Sanders’ office also shared information on some of the more violent illegal immigrants arrested in Arkansas.
In January, ASP arrested Luis Danielle Valdez-Reyes who was accused of striking a state trooper, as well as Elias Avila-Bustillo – who was wanted by El Salvador for illegal gang activity.
A nurse from Little Rock, Jennifer Ann Morton, was killed in a DUI crash allegedly caused by another illegal immigrant: Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera.
During the Biden administration, Sanders was one of a handful of governors to travel to the Mexican border to highlight the Democratic administration’s reticence to do so.
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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