The Latest: Troops await orders for Trump border deployment

PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on the upcoming deployment of the National Guard to the U.S. border with Mexico following President Donald Trump’s deployment proclamation (all times local):

10:45 a.m.

National guard contingents in U.S. states that border Mexico say they are waiting for guidance from Washington to determine what they will do following President Donald Trump’s proclamation directing deployment to fight illegal immigration and drug smuggling.

The National Guard in Texas said in a statement Thursday said the deployment is in “very early planning stages.”

With troops in all states, the National Guard has been called on by past presidents and governors to help secure U.S. borders.

The Texas Guard says it has “firsthand knowledge of the mission and operating area” that will allow it to move seamlessly into the new role.

Governors of the border states of Arizona and New Mexico have welcomed deployment of the Guard along the southwest border as a matter of public safety.

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9:00 a.m.

Mexican senators and presidential candidates put aside differences to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to the border.

The country’s Senate passed a resolution Wednesday calling for the suspension of cooperation on illegal immigration and drug trafficking in retaliation for Trump’s move.

Presidential candidate Ricardo Anaya went further, saying Mexico should limit anti-terrorism cooperation until the National Guard is withdrawn. Anaya is the candidate of a left-right coalition in the country’s July 1 presidential election.

Ruling-party candidate Jose Antonio Meade said that “independently of our political differences, it is time for all the presidential candidates to unite in defense of the sovereignty and dignity of the nation … to reject and repudiate thus kind of measure.”

The Mexican government said guard members “will not carry weapons or have immigration or customs duties.”