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The Pentagon will deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S. southern border in the coming days, according to U.S. officials. This move follows President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at enhancing border security and addressing immigration concerns. The deployment will support the approximately 2,500 U.S. National Guard and Reserve forces already stationed there.
The troops will assist border patrol agents with logistics, transportation, and barrier construction. However, they are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties under the Posse Comitatus Act unless the Insurrection Act is invoked. The Insurrection Act would allow troops to engage in civilian law enforcement, a decision that President Trump has directed the incoming defense and homeland security chiefs to consider.
The deployment is part of President Trump's broader strategy to use military resources to secure the border. In his inaugural address, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, emphasizing the need to stop illegal entry and return individuals to their countries of origin.
The Pentagon has previously deployed troops to the border under both Trump and former President Joe Biden. During the 2018 deployment, over 7,000 troops were sent to assist with various non-law enforcement tasks, such as erecting barriers and providing logistical support.
The current deployment is expected to follow a similar pattern, with troops providing support services rather than engaging directly in law enforcement activities.