The United States is increasing its military presence along the southern border with Mexico as part of measures announced by former President Donald Trump to prevent illegal immigration, Acting Pentagon Chief Robert Salesses confirmed.
"The Department of Defense will strengthen the southwest border with an additional 1,500 troops, as well as helicopters with crews and intelligence analysts to aid in detection and monitoring efforts," Salesses said in a statement on the Pentagon's website, as cited by Interfax.
This deployment represents a 60% increase in ground forces at the border since Trump took office. Previously, media reports indicated that 2,500 military personnel were stationed along the border.
The Pentagon will also provide air support to facilitate the deportation of more than 5,000 undocumented immigrants and assist in constructing temporary and permanent barriers to curb illegal crossings and trafficking.
Additionally, The Washington Post, citing internal documents, reported that Trump plans to send 10,000 more troops to the border. CNN also reported, based on sources, that 4,500 National Guard troops have already been deployed to the area.
On Thursday night, Trump signed an executive order suspending the entry of foreign nationals through the southern border, according to the White House. Earlier, on January 21, he reportedly signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency at the southern border.
