Troops at the Border: Pentagon Hints at More Deployments Ahead

WASHINGTON — Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced that the deployment of additional active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border marks “just the beginning,” despite a noticeable decline in border crossings.

In a statement made late Wednesday, Salesses revealed that 1,500 ground personnel will be dispatched immediately to monitor the southwest border and operate newly allocated helicopters.

These troops are tasked with constructing both temporary and permanent barriers along the border. Additionally, they will facilitate military airlifts for the Department of Homeland Security, aimed at deporting up to 5,000 immigrants lacking proper authorization, specifically from areas around San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas.

This announcement follows President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the border earlier this week and several immigration-focused executive orders.

Salesses noted that this command shift represents a 60% increase in active-duty forces stationed at the U.S.-Mexico border, a move that comes after former President Joe Biden had previously sent troops there in response to rising crossings in 2023.

Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates that encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have been steadily declining since March 2024, reaching the lowest levels recorded since 2022.

The term “encounters” includes migrants attempting to cross outside of official ports of entry, as well as families and unaccompanied children seeking humanitarian assistance at designated entry points.

Under U.S. law, military forces cannot perform policing duties domestically. Therefore, the role of the deployed troops will primarily encompass intelligence gathering and logistical support, particularly in transportation.

In his executive actions on Monday, Trump mandated that military and Homeland Security leadership report back within 90 days regarding the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law permitting military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) will oversee operations at the border, focusing on homeland defense and civil support, as directed by the president or the Secretary of Defense.

“President Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nation’s borders and made clear he expects immediate results,” Salesses stated, emphasizing the military’s commitment under Trump’s leadership.

The Pentagon has forwarded all inquiries to Northern Command, which has yet to respond regarding the specifics of troop deployments and their operational locations.

Last updated 10:14 a.m., Jan. 23, 2025