MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — The Michigan National Guard is sending 120 troopers to the southwest border to support a federal law enforcement mission.

Soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1463rd Transportation Company, based in Battle Creek, will leave Saturday.

Soldiers will provide support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) border security operations.

The 1463rd Transportation Company last deployed to Iraq in 2008. Soldiers could be deployed for up to a year.

This will be the fifth deployment to the southwest border for the Michigan National Guard since 2020.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has approved previous deployments to the southwest border, in 2021 and 2022 under President Joe Biden and in 2020 under President Donald Trump.

“The Michigan National Guard is known nationally for their professionalism and has stepped up to protect and serve fellow Americans when called upon by both Democratic and Republican presidents,” said Governor Whitmer. “Now around 120 soldiers are once again preparing to answer the call of duty on our southern border, adding to the strong efforts that have seen border crossings reach a four-year low. Together, we will ensure our Guard members have the resources they need to successfully complete their missions and ensure their families can thrive at home.”