Active duty military troops are set to arrive in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego as part of the new forces being deployed to secure the southern border. The Pentagon announced the deployment of about 1,500 troops this week in response to President Donald Trump's executive order for increased border security.
Additional troops are expected to be deployed in the coming days as defense and homeland security leaders finalize requests for more support. The deployment will include active duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces from various branches of the military.
The initial deployment announced on Wednesday consists of approximately 1,000 Army soldiers from different units and 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton in California. The majority of these troops are expected to be stationed in El Paso and San Diego by Friday to receive their mission assignments.
Currently, there are already 2,500 Guard and Reserve forces deployed to the border, and the additional 1,500 troops will supplement these existing forces. The deployment aims to assist in placing concertina wire barriers along the border and providing essential support to the Border Patrol.
As of now, there have been no requests to use military bases for housing migrants or for troops to engage in law enforcement activities. The deployment of troops is part of a broader effort to enhance border security and address immigration challenges.
