Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is voicing support for President Donald Trump’s moves to deploy the National Guard in cities facing violent crime, saying Alabama stands ready if called upon.
President Trump has already sent federal National Guard forces to Washington, D.C., to address crime there, and Memphis, Tennessee, is next in line.
The White House has also discussed the possibility of sending troops to Birmingham and Montgomery, though no decision has been made.
WBRC spoke with Governor Ivey during a school function in Gordo, where she confirmed Alabama has been in contact with federal officials.
“We’re certainly in touch with the White House about that. We stand ready to send out the Alabama National Guard, whether they’re needed, but right now, we’re on standby. We’ll be ready,” Ivey said.
“We’re already protecting Birmingham and Montgomery with the new MACS Unit, so we’re prepared and not gonna tolerate any misbehavior.”
The MACS, or Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, is composed of officers from five law enforcement agencies and has already seen results in Montgomery, according to the governor’s office.
In a separate statement, Ivey’s office confirmed the Governor is on the same page with Trump’s crime-fighting efforts.
“As the efforts continue to keep Washington, D.C. safe, Governor Ivey has the Alabama National Guard maintaining readiness to deploy to our nation’s capital, if needed, and we anticipate that possibility,” Gina Maiola, Ivey’s Director of Communications said.
“The governor believes ensuring safety in our communities should remain a top priority for all levels of government.”
Maiola added that while Birmingham and Montgomery are not currently on the president’s radar for federal troop deployments, Ivey has already taken steps to make crime reduction a priority as President Trump’s initiative to “Make America Safe Again” expands beyond Washington, D.C.
“However, in Alabama, Governor Ivey will continue taking her own hard stance against crime. Here in our Capital City, the governor’s approach with the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit has seen success, and the governor expressed interest previously in doing a version of that in Birmingham,” she added.
“In fact, the crime in Birmingham was a major driver in her making bolstering public safety her number one priority this past legislative session. No doubt, ensuring safety in our communities will remain a top priority going forward.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
