Martinez said New Mexico National Guard Troops working with Border Patrol agents are all volunteers and no police officers, which serve a vital role in our communities, will serve on this mission. Both Martinez and Brig. Gen. Thomas Bump, director of the NMNG’s Joint Staff, stated that the NMNG Soldiers are here filling support roles and will not perform law enforcement duties. “We’re here strictly in a support role,” Bump said. “Soldiers will not detain or arrest people. That will remain the sole duty of the Border Patrol. Anytime we perform a support role to free up an agent and get that agent out on the line, it is beneficial to helping them accomplish their mission.” Support role missions the NMNG Soldiers are performing include assisting with surveillance, maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment, and communications.]]>
