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The Pentagon is set to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the southern border in the coming days, according to U.S. officials speaking to the Associated Press (AP) on Wednesday. This decision aligns with previous efforts to strengthen border security through increased military support.
The move follows executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump early in his administration to address immigration concerns. These orders directed the Secretary of Defense to develop strategies to “seal the borders” and counteract “unlawful mass migration.” In a recent directive, the military was tasked with assisting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by providing support in areas such as detention space, transportation, and other logistical services.
Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Salesses was expected to approve the deployment orders on Wednesday. However, the specific units and number of troops involved remain uncertain, with the final total subject to change. Currently, there are no active-duty troops stationed at the border, although approximately 2,500 National Guard and Reserve personnel are already providing support.
Historical Context and Deployment Details
This is not the first time active-duty troops have been deployed to the southern border. In 2018, during Trump’s presidency, over 7,000 active-duty personnel were sent to Texas, Arizona, and California in response to a caravan of migrants traveling through Mexico. That mission included military police, assault helicopter units, combat engineers, communications and medical personnel, as well as public affairs teams.
Under the Posse Comitatus Act, U.S. active-duty troops are prohibited from performing law enforcement functions, such as arresting or detaining individuals. Exceptions can only occur if the president invokes the Insurrection Act, which allows military forces to address domestic unrest. This authority, however, is not subject to judicial review.
Purpose of the Deployment
The current deployment is expected to provide logistical and operational support to border patrol agents. Responsibilities could include transportation, barrier construction, and other non-law enforcement tasks, consistent with previous missions under both Trump and President Joe Biden. Typically, DHS outlines specific needs, and the Pentagon determines the number and type of military personnel required to meet those demands.
Looking Ahead
The AP notes that officials spoke on condition of anonymity, as a formal announcement had not yet been made. The deployment underscores ongoing challenges at the southern border and reflects the government’s continued reliance on military resources to bolster border security.
