DOD Orders 1,500 Troops, Additional Assets to Southern Border
Published: January 23, 2025, 01:54
Story:
The Department of Defense (DOD) has ordered the deployment of 1,500 troops and additional assets to the southern border with Mexico. The move comes amid increasing illegal border crossings and the ongoing flow of illicit narcotics into the United States.
The order, issued by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, was made at the request of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to a Pentagon statement, the troops will provide “enhanced situational awareness, logistical support, and other capabilities” to border patrol agents.
The deployment includes:
- 1,000 Army personnel
- 500 Air National Guard members
The troops will be equipped with surveillance equipment, including drones and radars. They will also operate helicopters and other aircraft to support border security operations.
Alongside the troops, the DOD is also providing additional assets to DHS, including:
- 200 tactical vehicles
- 50 armored personnel carriers
- 10 military police units
These assets will be used to deter illegal crossings, disrupt drug smuggling, and assist in the apprehension of individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally.
The deployment is expected to last for up to 90 days, with the possibility of an extension if necessary. The DOD emphasized that the troops are not being deployed to perform law enforcement duties and will only provide support to border patrol agents.
The decision to deploy additional troops to the border has drawn mixed reactions. Some lawmakers and border security experts have welcomed the move, arguing that it will help stem the tide of illegal immigration and drug trafficking. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential for confrontations between troops and migrants or asylum seekers.
The White House has defended the deployment, saying that it is necessary to address the “national security and humanitarian crisis” at the border. The administration has also pledged to ensure that the troops will act in a professional and humane manner.
The deployment of troops to the southern border is the latest in a series of measures taken by the Biden administration to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and drug smuggling. In recent months, the government has increased funding for border security, expanded the use of technology, and implemented new policies aimed at deterring illegal crossings.
DOD Orders 1,500 Troops, Additional Assets to Southern Border
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