US to Deploy 1,500 Additional Soldiers to Boost Border Security with Mexico
The Pentagon announced that Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses has made a decision to send an additional 1,500 US military personnel to support the country’s southern border. This decision represents a 60 percent increase in active security forces in the region since President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The additional troops will reinforce those already conducting operations along the US-Mexico border.
Salesses also mentioned that additional airborne intelligence, surveillance, and support personnel may be deployed to the border to enhance border security measures. The aim is to develop various additional border applications to strengthen the security in the region.
Furthermore, the Department of Defense will provide air supply support for the deportation of more than 5,000 individuals detained by the Customs and Border Protection Unit in San Diego and El Paso, Texas. Salesses stated that the Department will collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security, federal agencies, and state partners to address all threats outlined at the nation’s borders.
In a related development, it has been reported that Trump plans to deploy approximately 10,000 soldiers to the southern border to support border patrol personnel in preventing migration from the Mexican border. Instructions have been given for the deportation of individuals detained at the border, and additional detention facilities are expected to be opened to accommodate the increased number of detainees.
Under the law known as “Posse comitatus” in the United States, active duty soldiers do not have the authority to act as law enforcement officers within the country without special permission. Currently, around 2,200 soldiers from the US Northern Command are providing logistical support along the El Paso border in Texas, assisting with tasks such as data entry, detection, tracking, and vehicle maintenance for the Customs and Border Protection agency.
Additionally, the Texas State National Guard is also on duty at the border with approximately 4,500 members as part of “Operation Lone Star”, supporting efforts to ensure border security. The US military is working in collaboration with various agencies to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and strengthen border protection measures.
