LINCOLN- Gov. Pete Ricketts took an unannounced visit to the Southern U.S. border to thank Nebraska National Guard personnel deployed there and to criticize “failed” current border policy.

“I saw firsthand that you are undermanned and under-resourced,” Ricketts said in a press release. “America urgently needs to change course at the national level to fix this ongoing emergency.”

Jane Kleeb, the executive director of the Nebraska Democratic Party, called the trip a “political stunt.”

The Guard members are providing mission-enhancing support to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection security operations.

Nebraska’s 376th Aviation Battalion, a helicopter unit based in Grand Island, has been assisting border patrols since at least June by providing aviation support. The mission is under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North.

“By strengthening border enforcement, you’re helping to keep dangerous drugs like meth and fentanyl off of our streets,” he said.

Ricketts also met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection leaders to discuss their mission and the challenges they face.

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