The U.S. military is set to deploy an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. This includes 500 Marines, Army helicopter crews, and intelligence analysts, augmenting the 2,200 active-duty troops and National Guard members already present. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing the Pentagon to achieve “complete operational control of the southern border.”
The troops will provide logistical support, such as assisting in deportation efforts by transporting detained immigrants in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. These troops will not perform law enforcement duties. Discussions have also considered the possibility of deploying up to 10,000 troops, depending on military readiness and Homeland Security requests.
The executive order requires the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to assess within 90 days whether additional measures, such as invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, are necessary. The Coast Guard has announced an increase in resources to deter maritime migrations from Haiti and Cuba and to strengthen the maritime border between Texas and Mexico.
Sources
Politico. (2025, January 22). Pentagon to send 1,500 troops to border for security, migrant airlift. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/22/pentagon-send-troops-border-security-airlift-migrants-00200055
Associated Press. (2025, January 22). Congress passes immigrant detention bill as Pentagon boosts border presence. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/5994481d349485e3ed72d58e697250fa
Straits Times. (2025, January 22). US military preparing to send additional 1,500 troops to border, official says. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-military-preparing-to-send-additional-1500-troops-to-border-official-says
