By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Members of the Alabama National Guard may be required to spend time along the U-S Mexico border. Governor Bob Riley says he has signed an agreement that authorizes Alabama soldiers to participate in border security efforts. The soldiers will provide surveillance and logistical support for the U-S Border Patrol. The agreement contains a provision that allows the governor to recall the troops if there's a natural disaster or some other type of emergency. Alabama is among 30 states to allow Guard personnel to participate in border security operations. Riley says the state has not yet received a request to deploy units to the Mexican border.