Governors Briefs: Governor Increases National Guard at Border and New Appointment Announced

Gov. Newsom Increases California National Guard Presence at the Border To Crack Down on Fentanyl Smugglers

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 5 announced he is increasing the deployment of California National Guard or CalGuard service members by about 50% from 40 to 60 soldiers at the four U.S. ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border to support the interdiction of illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

This expansion enables CalGuard to further support U.S. Customs and Border Protection or CBP narcotic search operations, including through the operation of a vehicle X-ray system used for detecting the transportation and concealment of narcotics. This increased deployment builds on Gov. Newsom’s prior expansion of CalGuard-supported operations that last year led to a 594% increase in seized fentanyl in the state. Last year, CalGuard’s efforts helped law enforcement seize 28,765 lbs of fentanyl in California, an amount with an estimated street value of more than $230 million.

The Department of Homeland Security reports a majority of fentanyl is smuggled into the U.S. at ports of entry by U.S. citizens, not by migrants seeking asylum. 

Gov. Newsom Announces Appointments
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 8 announced the following appointment:

Candis Welch, of Long Beach, has been appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council. Welch has been diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator, internal programming at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority since 2022. She was a contracts and procurement Analyst at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority from 2018 to 2022 and a procurement coordinator for the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller from 2014 to 2018. Welch earned a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University, Northridge. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Welch is a Democrat.