The Pentagon is set to deploy up to 1,500 active duty troops to assist in securing the southern border, as announced by U.S. officials on Wednesday. This move aligns with President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at tightening immigration controls since taking office.
Acting Defense Secretary is expected to sign deployment orders imminently, although the specific units and troops involved are yet to be determined, with the total number subject to change. The potential involvement of troops in law enforcement duties represents a significant departure from recent practices.
The active duty forces will supplement the approximately 2,500 National Guard and Reserve forces already stationed at the border, marking the first deployment of active duty troops in this capacity. Their primary role is expected to be in supporting border patrol agents through logistical, transportation, and barrier construction tasks.
While current laws prohibit troops from engaging in law enforcement activities at the border, there is a possibility of this changing. President Trump has directed the incoming defense and homeland security chiefs to assess whether the Insurrection Act of 1807 should be invoked, potentially allowing for the use of troops in civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil.
This deployment, anticipated early in Trump's presidency, is part of his broader strategy to enhance military presence along the border. Trump's recent directives underscore his commitment to fortifying border security and curbing illegal immigration.
In previous instances, active duty troops were dispatched to support the Department of Homeland Security and border control agents, notably during the 2018 migrant caravan crisis. The military's role primarily involved logistical support, transportation, and infrastructure assistance, rather than direct law enforcement activities.
While the Posse Comitatus Act restricts active duty troops from law enforcement functions, the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act could alter this limitation. This legal provision empowers presidents to deploy military units in response to domestic unrest, with decisions not subject to judicial review.
During the 2018 deployment, over 7,000 active duty troops were deployed to border states, focusing on support tasks such as transportation, communications, and security. The military's assistance to border patrol agents encompassed a range of services, including medical care, meals, and temporary housing.
Typically, the Pentagon coordinates with DHS to determine specific mission requirements, following which military leaders decide on troop composition and numbers for border support operations.
