The U.S. military has announced the deployment of an additional 3,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, bringing the total number of soldiers stationed there to 9,000. This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s priority of combating illegal immigration.
According to the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), the troops will not directly engage in blocking or deporting migrants. Instead, they will support border security through surveillance, administrative tasks, and logistics, including enhanced air transport capabilities.
General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORTHCOM, stated that the deployment would enhance border security efforts and combat drug trafficking.
On his first day back in office, Trump declared a state of emergency at the southern border and later ordered the deployment of 1,500 troops. He has accused Mexico of failing to curb illegal migration and drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S.
During his campaign, Trump vowed to implement the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, claiming that illegal migrants contribute to crime and social instability.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that 11 million undocumented immigrants were living in the country as of 2022. U.S. Border Patrol reported 8.8 million migrant apprehensions during Joe Biden’s presidency, with record-high numbers in late 2023. However, Trump has claimed that border crossings have drastically declined since he took office, calling it “the end of the invasion of our country.”
In an effort to expedite deportations, Trump’s administration is pressuring Latin American countries to accept the return of their nationals. Additionally, plans are in place to detain up to 30,000 undocumented migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, supplementing the existing 40,000 detention center spaces across the U.S.
