The United States will deploy 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the border with Mexico, the White House announced on Wednesday, January 22. This decision follows an executive order on immigration signed by President Donald Trump two days earlier.

The deployment will include 500 Marines, Army helicopter crews, and intelligence analysts, adding to the 2,200 active-duty troops and thousands of National Guard members already stationed at the border prior to Trump's inauguration. During his first term, Trump had deployed 5,200 troops to secure the southern border. Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, also deployed troops to the border during his tenure.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized that this move aligns with Trump’s directive to prioritize homeland security as a core mission for the Department of Defense. Another official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that discussions are underway about possibly increasing troop numbers to as many as 10,000, though final decisions will depend on factors like military readiness and requests from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses stated that the military would assist DHS by providing flights for the deportation of over 5,000 immigrants currently detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. He clarified that in-flight law enforcement would be handled by DHS, while the State Department would secure necessary diplomatic clearances.

An anonymous Pentagon official noted that the additional troops would not perform law enforcement duties. Instead, their role would be to support border security operations.

On his first day back in office, Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency, tasking the military with aiding border security, enforcing stricter asylum policies, and limiting citizenship for children born in the U.S. His January 20 executive order instructed the Pentagon to deploy as many troops as needed to achieve "complete operational control" of the southern border. Within 90 days, the Defense and Homeland Security departments are expected to evaluate whether further actions, including invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, might be necessary. The act allows the president to deploy the military to address domestic unrest.

Trump's re-election campaign heavily focused on intensifying border security and increasing deportations. He criticized Biden for high levels of illegal immigration, though recent numbers showed a decline, largely due to Biden’s stricter policies and Mexico’s enhanced enforcement.

In response to potential mass migration from Haiti and Cuba, the U.S. Coast Guard announced plans to bolster forces and vessels near Florida and along the maritime border between Texas and Mexico. Additionally, Trump has proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America."

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file