The Trump administration has begun sending more than a thousand U.S. troops to conduct enforcement operations along the southern border, including soldiers deployed to El Paso.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that under President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border, they would be sending 1,500 U.S. troops and additional air and intelligence assets.
“The President directed me to take all appropriate action to support the activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security in obtaining complete operational control of the southern border of the United States,” reads Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses’ statement.
According to the DOD, there are already 2,500 active-duty personnel along the southern border.
The additional 1,500 personnel, along with helicopters, associated crews, and intelligence analysts to help support increased detection and monitoring efforts, will continue to help secure the border and deter illegal crossings and illicit trafficking.
The DOD will also provide airlift support for flights operated by the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the deportations of more than 5,000 illegal aliens detained in the San Diego and El Paso sectors.
Additionally, the DOD will also be assisting in the construction of temporary and permanent physical barriers to curtail further illegal border crossings.
“This is just the beginning. In short order, the Department will develop and execute additional missions in cooperation with DHS, federal agencies, and state partners to address the full range of threats outlined by the President at our nation’s borders,” Salesses’ statement continued. “President Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nation’s borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership.”
Troops began arriving in El Paso on Thursday evening to assist in combatting illegal border crossings.
