President Donald Trump wasted no time jumping into action after he was sworn into office. Just two days into his second term, the president is acting on his promises for better border security. He not only signed executive orders to hinder illegal immigration, but he also sent troops to the border to enforce the new measures.
On Wednesday, U.S. officials confirmed that the Pentagon is sending 1,500 active-duty troops to our southern border. Acting Defense Secretary Robert is expected to sign off on the orders Wednesday evening.
🚨🚨🚨1500 active troops are being deployed to secure the border.
Winning.
Deport. pic.twitter.com/gONp3EKRpJ— Leigh10021 (@tarheel_texas) January 22, 2025
Trending Politics reports:
The number of troops could change based on evolving needs, and it is yet to be determined whether they will engage in law enforcement duties—a role that would mark a significant shift for the military. The decision to send troops follows President Trump’s firm campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration and fortify the southern border.
Officials who spoke to Fox59 requested anonymity because the announcement is still pending. Active-duty troops are set to deploy alongside the approximately 2,500 U.S. National Guard and Reserve forces currently stationed at the border, where no active-duty soldiers are currently assigned.
These additional forces will assist border patrol agents by providing logistical support and transportation and helping with the construction of barriers. Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order directed the Pentagon to deploy sufficient troops to secure “complete operational control of the southern border of the United States.”
U.S. deploys 1,500 troops to southern border amid immigration crackdown👀 pic.twitter.com/f5vTe4N5L5
— Carlos Lopez (@CarlosL84862301) January 22, 2025
“Within 90 days, the heads of the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security will need to recommend whether additional actions, including invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, might be necessary,” the order reads. Meaning that the military is currently barred from performing law enforcement duties at the border, however, this could change depending on the circumstances and Trump’s directive.