Actor Steven Seagal talks border security at sheriff’s association conference in Las Cruces

Hollywood actor turned Dona Ana County reserve deputy, Steven Seagal, stopped by Las Cruces on Tuesday to talk about border security to those attending the New Mexico Sheriff’s Association Conference.

“It’s very simple,” Seagal told ABC-7. “I want to educate people as to what’s happening and let them make their own decisisons. I just think a lot of them don’t really know what’s happening. I would like to be able to give these lectures wherever people really want to see them and want to hear them.”

Seagal has been studying border security for 30 years and was sworn in in January as a reserve deputy sheriff for Dona Ana County. He also is a reserve deputy in Maricopa County in Arizona and holds credentials in Hudspeth County in Texas.

In January, Undersheriff Eddie Lerma arranged to have Seagal sworn-in as a deputy in Dona Ana County as part of future training on border issues, and to execute police work if necessary.

Sheriff Todd Garrison read Seagal his oath during a brief, informal ceremony at the Doa Ana County Sheriff’s Department main headquarters. Seagal asked that no pictures or video be taken of the January ceremony, according to sheriff’s officials.

“Mr. Seagal has spent decades in law enforcement training, and has a special interest in the unique challenges our department faces along the border,” Lerma said in January. “He has been an asset to other border communities, where he believes public safety is of particular concern. We are honored to bring that experience to this department as well.”

Seagal most recently starred in the Reelz TV drama “True Justice” about an undercover police team in Seattle. Seagal plays Elijah Kane. It last aired in 2012 and it is not immediately known if it was picked up for a third season.

Seagal also has starred in reality shows about law enforcement.