Iowa Troopers return from U-S southern border duty

(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa State Patrol Troopers are back home after assisting law enforcement at the southern U.S. border.

More than two dozen troopers spent two weeks helping authorities in Texas deal with a border migration surge. The troopers were sent to the Del Rio area of Texas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot had asked states to officers to help slow crime in the wake of a surge in illegal border crossings this year. The Iowa officers served in support roles, alongside Texas officers – giving them backup while on patrols and aiding with humanitarian needs at border crossings. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says the Iowa troopers provided tactical support and back-up, and confiscated illegal guns, drugs, and thwarted human traffickers.

Iowa officers’ two weeks on the border included:

• 240 arrests
• 51 vehicle pursuits
• $1.7 million in cash seized
• 18 firearms seized
• Nearly 1,000 pounds of drugs seized