Obama's border plan looks similar to Bush's

By JACQUES BILLEAUD Associated Press Writer

PHOENIX (AP) - President Barack Obama's plan to send as many as 1,200 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border appears to be a scaled-down version of the border security approach championed by his predecessor.

The 6,000 troops sent by President George W. Bush to the border from June 2006 to July 2008 were generally credited within law enforcement circles as having helped improve border security.

But restrictions placed on the soldiers were denounced by advocates for tougher enforcement who are now leveling similar objections at Obama's plan.

Some law enforcement officials say they worry that Obama will repeat Bush's mistake by limiting the troops to support roles, rather than letting them make arrests and confront smugglers.