Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today ordered 224 National Guard troops to patrol the Mexican border for one year to support federal security efforts.
The troops will be part of 1,200 National Guard personnel President Barack Obama requested in May to be deployed along the border in the southwest United States.
The exact areas where California's contingent will be deployed -- whether in San Diego County or elsewhere -- was not released. The governor's order called for coordination with appropriate federal officials to determine where they will go.
Schwarzenegger also said the troops will be armed for self-defense but will not serve in a direct law enforcement role.
The deployment is scheduled to last until June 30, 2011.
