In an unparalleled move, the United States government, under President Donald Trump, has commanded the deployment of regular Army troops and the Marine Corps to the border with Mexico. This action aims to bolster security measures in the region and curb the influx of migrants attempting to cross into U.S. territory.
This historic operation involves over 1,500 military personnel, including 500 Marines and Navy staff, joining the 2,200 National Guard members and 4,500 reservists already stationed at the border. According to the White House, these additional forces are tasked with "protecting and defending the territorial integrity of the United States."
The deployment spans across border states such as California, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, where temporary camps and observation points have been established. Images released by the White House show troops arriving via helicopters and military aircraft, armed and moving to their designated positions. These operations also utilize helicopters for aerial reconnaissance and personnel transport.
The executive order signed by Trump mandates an increase in personnel at the border to assist the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), one of the largest law enforcement bodies in the United States, whose primary mission is to prevent the entry of terrorists, weapons, and irregular migrants.
According to the Department of Defense, the deployment not only involves soldiers on the ground but also the use of military aircraft, such as C-47 planes, for the deportation of migrants. In a statement, the White House confirmed that the first deportation flight of this nature had already been conducted to Guatemala, carrying 80 detained migrants.
This marks the first deployment of regular troops to the border, as previously only National Guard and reservists had been utilized. However, U.S. law, specifically the Posse Comitatus Act, restricts the military from performing civilian tasks such as detaining or guarding migrants. Therefore, their role is confined to support functions, including surveillance, repairing physical barriers, and intelligence analysis.
The White House heralded the deployment as the fulfillment of a Trump campaign promise. On social media, the administration posted, "Promise made –> Promise KEPT!" Nevertheless, this measure has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it militarizes an area traditionally managed by civil authorities.
The Pentagon announced that these forces would support enhanced detection and surveillance, as well as the installation and repair of physical barriers along the border. Furthermore, First Lieutenant Troy Garza reported that helicopters have pinpointed key locations on the border to establish operational bases and support CBP tasks.
Key Questions About the U.S.-Mexico Border Deployment
What is the purpose of the Marine deployment at the U.S.-Mexico border?
The deployment aims to enhance security measures and prevent the flow of migrants trying to enter the United States.
How many troops have been deployed to the border?
Over 1,500 military personnel, including 500 Marines, have been deployed, joining the existing 2,200 National Guard members and 4,500 reservists.
What limitations do the troops face due to U.S. law?
The Posse Comitatus Act prevents the military from engaging in civilian law enforcement tasks, such as detaining or guarding migrants, limiting them to support roles.