DoD, DHS square off over border troops

WASHINGTON, June 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense and Homeland Security departments are facing off over the use of drug-fighting soldiers along the U.S.-Mexico border, sources say.

Citing unnamed officials in both departments, Sunday's Washington Post reported that differing opinions over a proposal to send 1,500 more National Guard troops to the border to analyze intelligence and provide air support and technical assistance in the battle against drug traffickers have resulted in bureaucratic gridlock.

The sources said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Defense Secretary Robert Gates are engaged in a turf battle over which agency should direct the use of troops and who should pay for them. The Post reported aides to the pair are privately expressing exasperation over what one called an interagency "food fight."

Violence perpetrated by Mexican drug cartels is spilling over into the United States and represents a legitimate need for troops to back up border agencies, Homeland security officials and some U.S. governors say. But defense officials contend troops shouldn't be committed to open-ended missions.

The newspaper reported the issue is now stalled at the National Security Council level, after which it would go to President Barack Obama for a decision.