Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced her participation in a collaborative effort alongside 25 of her fellow governors in the newly-formed American Governors’ Border Strike Force.

According to the governor’s office, the strike force will coordinate state efforts to deter illegal immigration and protect the U.S. southern border.

In announcing her role in the effort, Ivey advised that the collaborative initiative was necessary due to the Biden administration’s “total absence of leadership.”

“With the crisis on our Southern Border escalating by the day, and the total absence of leadership coming from the Biden-Harris Administration, forming this strike force is paramount in protecting our national security,” declared Ivey.

“Last year, illegal border crossings surged to a 20-year high, which also means we have dangerous drugs flowing into our country,” added the governor. “Here in Alabama, we’re going to enforce the law, and I’m proud to join my fellow governors on this mission to protect our states and nation. We will continue doing all we can here in Alabama to protect our border and our citizens.”

The states participating in the task force include: Alabama, Arizona, Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Ivey’s membership in the strike force adds that her administration’s actions to shield Alabama from illegal immigration.

In addition to signing legislation barring the Yellowhammer State from becoming a sanctuary for illegal aliens, Ivey in 2021 deployed Alabama National Guard Troops to the southern border to assist with federal operations.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL