North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has recalled members of the state National Guard from the United States southern border.

The move comes as there has been growing backlash against a policy implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump resulting in children being separated from their families as the adults are prosecuted for crossing the border illegally.

“The cruel policy of tearing children away from their parents requires a strong response,” Cooper said in a statement, “and I am recalling the three members of the North Carolina National Guard from the border.”

The Trump immigration policy also drew sharp criticism on Monday from North Carolina 4th District Congressman David Price, who called the action “a form of child abuse.”

North Carolina has sent members of the state National Guard to the southern border at the request of President Bush and Obama, according to the state. North Carolina has a helicopter and three National Guard members currently deployed.