President Trump signs proclamation sending National Guard to Mexican border

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation directing the National Guard to be deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump says Wednesday in a memorandum to his secretaries of defense and homeland security and to his attorney general that the "situation at the border has now reached a point of crisis."

The document orders the Secretary of Defense to support the Department of Homeland Security in securing the southern border to stop the flow of drugs and people.

And it orders the agency heads to submit a report within 30 days outlining what other steps can be taken.

Trump says that "lawlessness" at the southern border is "fundamentally incompatible with the safety, security, and sovereignty of the American people." And he says his administration "has no choice but to act."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement saying, in part:

"Today's action by the Trump Administration reinforces Texas' longstanding commitment to secure our southern border and uphold the Rule of Law, and I welcome the support. Going forward, Texas will continue to implement robust border security efforts, and this partnership will help ensure we are doing everything we can to stem the flow of illegal immigration. Today's decision by the Trump Administration is consistent with previous actions taken to secure our southern border by President Barack Obama in 2010, and President George W. Bush in 2006."