New Mexico democrats oppose Trump’s proposal to militarize border wall

Six democrats within the New Mexico Legislature vocally opposed President Donald Trump’s proposal to militarize the border.

“It is a travesty, in my opinion,” said Angelica Rubio, who represents district 35.

In addition to Rubio, state representatives Doreen Gallegos, Nathan Small, Bill Gomez, Joanne Ferrary and Bill McCamley took the podium. They represent communities around southern New Mexico, including some directly on the border.

“We’re the people who actually live here on the border and we want to use our resources smartly,” McCamley said.

Small and others called the decision a “waste of taxpayer money.” “(It) will leave New Mexicans vulnerable throughout the state,” Small said.

The idea is nothing new: George W. Bush and Barack Obama both made the decision to send troops to the border in the past, as explained by the Associated Press.

McCamley, however, said President Trump hasn’t outlined his strategy. “We’ve heard zero plan at all from the Trump administration,” McCamley said.

The six legislators urged Governor Susana Martinez to oppose the president’s proposal.

“It’s her prerogative to say this,” Gomez said.

The office of Governor Martinez released this statement on Wednesday:

“The Governor appreciates the Administration’s efforts to bring states to the table as they go about taking steps to better secure our border,” the statement said. “The men and women of the New Mexico National Guard are well-trained professionals, and the Governor supports them fully in any mission – state or federal at home or abroad.”