Governor Kevin Stitt announced his decision on Thursday to send Oklahoma National Guard Troops to the Southern Border.

The governor joins 12 other Republican governors in the move and says the combined effort is a response to President Biden’s failure to secure and protect our nation.

"As Governor, the decision to deploy members of the National Guard is not one I take lightly and, as the parent of a deployed soldier, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our National Guard and their families during deployment. However, I believe it is in the best interest of Oklahoma and the nation to take decisive action to address the federal government’s utter failure to secure our southern border," said Governor Stitt. "Republican governors continue to step up to the plate when President Biden refuses to lead; and by deploying our brave National Guard Troops, we are sending a strong message that we remain dedicated to defending our borders and upholding law and order in our nation."

Related Story: US Sending 1,500 Active-Duty Troops To Southern Border Amid Migration Spike

The coalition of governors will send a total of 1,305 National Guardsmen and 231 Law Enforcement Personnel to the southern border in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s call for reinforcements as Texas.

The Joint Statement from the group can be read below.