Key Takeaways:
– The Pentagon plans to deploy 1,500 more ground personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border
– The troop deployment is part of an initiative to enhance border security
– Despite these measures, border crossings continue to maintain a downward trend
– With the increase, the total active-duty ground forces at the border will surge by 60%
Boosting Border Security
In a move to address border security concerns, the Pentagon will immediately deploy an additional 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. This announcement came from the Acting Secretary of Defense, Robert Salesses. He also mentioned that with this deployment, it marks the starting point for a more aggressive approach to securing the border.
Additional Assistance at the Border
Aside from soldiers on the ground, the Defense Department will also be sending more helicopters to keep a strict surveillance over the border area. The new arrivals at the border will be joining the approximately 2,500 troops already stationed there.
Moreover, the troops are expected to aid in constructing both temporary and permanent barriers along the border. They will also provide military airlifts, helping the Department of Homeland Security with the deportation of immigrants lacking legal authorization mainly from the San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas areas.
Duty of the Deployed Troops
The troops deployed at the U.S.-Mexico border are prohibited from acting as a domestic police force as per U.S. law. Consequently, their duties will primarily include visitor management, intelligence gathering, and logistics, including transportation. The aim is to ensure they support civil matters and homeland defense while complying with the law.
Border Security in the Current Administration
President Donald Trump recently declared a state of emergency at the border while issuing several other immigration-related executive orders. He directed the Department of Defense to secure U.S. borders, emphasizing immediate results. He also ordered Pentagon and Homeland Security leaders to review the ‘Insurrection Act’, a law that lets the military enforce domestic law when necessary.
Troops Increase Despite Low Border Crossings
Interestingly, the increase in border troops comes at a time when crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have been consistently decreasing since March 2024. In fact, indexes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection data reveal that the current levels of border crossings are the lowest since 2022.
Furthermore, the scope of ‘encounters’ at the border includes attempts to cross between official entry points, families, individuals, and unaccompanied minors approaching official entry posts for requesting humanitarian protection.
Overseeing Border Security
In terms of duty allocation, U.S. Northern Command, or USNORTHCOM, will lead the operations at the border. This special command manages a variety of missions focused on civil support and homeland defense, under the direction of the president or defense secretary. For additional assistance, the U.S. Transportation Command and National Guard Bureau are on standby.
As the complete details about the troop deployment get finalized, specific military units assigned for the border duties will get announced. For now, the exact troop stationing locations remain unconfirmed. The Pentagon has directed all related inquiries to the Northern Command.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the U.S. is stepping up its efforts to strengthen border security by deploying additional troops. However, it remains to be seen how these proactive measures will pan out in the context of consistently decreasing border crossings.