Gov. Sanders deploys Arkansas National Guard to support southern border control efforts

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas National Guard will send about 40 guardsmen to Texas to support border control efforts along the nation's southern border, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' office said Tuesday.

The guard's operation is at the governor's direction and will begin April 1 and run through May 30, officials said in a news release.

Arrests for illegal crossings along the southern border hit record highs in December but fell by half in January, a shift attributed to seasonal declines and heightened enforcement by the U.S. and its allies. The federal government has not yet released numbers for February.

Sanders, who is critical of President Joe Biden's efforts to block migrants from illegally entering the country, said she's 'seen the crisis … firsthand, and I know the incredible men and women of the Arkansas Guard can help supplement Texas' efforts to keep our border secure and our states safe.'

Sanders visited the border with 14 other governors on Feb. 4 to show their states' support for Texas' efforts to block illegal migration. She also visited the border last July to show her support for about 80 guardsmen she had previously deployed there.

'Our soldiers will be well prepared and ready to assist the Texas National Guard's operations,' said Maj. Gen.

Jonathan Stubbs, Arkansas' Adjutant General, who noted previous deployments under Sanders' administration and others.

The Arkansas Guardsmen will enhance the Texas National Guard's surveillance and reconnaissance abilities and provide increased detection and tracking capabilities to their partners, the news release said. Immigration has emerged as a central issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, which is widely expected to be a rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump who each is seeking to use the border problems to his own political advantage.

***

ASP CID investigates officer-involved shooting

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division is investigating an officer- involved shooting that occurred Tuesday around 6 a.m. at 4 Durance Court, Little Rock, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was serving a federal search warrant.

Bryan Malinowski, 53, was injured with gunshot wounds and treated on scene by paramedics before being transported to a local hospital. His condition is unknown.

An ATF agent was injured with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital.

The ATF and the Little Rock Police Department asked ASP to investigate the incident.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

An investigative case file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

***

Jehovah’s Witnesses expand outreach for eclipse

LITTLE ROCK — Jehovah's Witnesses will be stationed with their witnessing carts during the upcoming eclipse, ready to greet visitors to the state.

“We are very excited about being part of the upcoming events planned around the total solar eclipse on April 8,” said Van and Lori Izard, local Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The

See STATE, page A10 STATE

From page A3

eclipse is an outstanding display of the laws that God has put in place to govern the planets and stars of the universe.”

While the Witnesses’ Bible literature carts have become a fixture at transit hubs, outside tourist attractions, and on main streets across the country since 2011 and in Little Rock since 2019, campaigns are often organized for large events like the eclipse festivities that draw large crowds. It is anticipated the eclipse will bring in an additional 1.5 million visitors.

“Visitors for the eclipse will enjoy good times with good friends, and we’re hoping to add to their joy with our positive message,” said Scott Smith, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“The 2024 total eclipse is an exciting event here in Arkansas,” said Titus Thoman, a local Witness who assists with organizing the special campaign. “As Jehovah’s Witnesses we are always on the lookout for events to support community outreach. We want to share the wonderful truths found in the Bible with as many people as possible. The total eclipse gives us an opportunity to do that. We hope to have our carts at several sites where local events will be taking place. It is a massive undertaking, but one we look forward to. There’s no obligation with anything we offer. If you see one of our carts, stop by and say ‘hi.’ You’ll be glad you did!”

For more information, visit jw.org.