Trump to deploy troops to US-Mexico border in hardline immigration strategy

The Pentagon is set to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border as part of Donald Trump’s aggressive new immigration enforcement strategy, marking a significant militarisation of the southern border.

The controversial move, defence officials told the New York Times, comes amid a flurry of executive actions targeting immigration in the early days of Trump’s presidency. The acting defense secretary, Robert Salesses, is expected to authorise the deployment, though specific units have not yet been identified.

These troops will join the 2,500 army reserve and national guard soldiers who were previously called to active duty in recent months to support federal law enforcement officials at the border.

As the Times notes, it remains unclear what role the 4,000 troops will play under the Trump administration.

The administration’s hardline approach has already created ripple effects across the immigration system.

The state department has suspended the refugee resettlement programme, leaving thousands of previously approved refugees stranded worldwide. Trump has also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy and announced plans to pursue expanded use of capital punishment for certain immigrant-related offences.

While military presence at the border isn’t unprecedented – with national guard and active-duty deployments dating back to 2006 under various administrations – the potential scope of the military’s involvement in enforcement operations would represent a dramatic shift from traditional support roles.

When questioned about specific operational details in a call with reporters first announcing the executive actions on inauguration day, which included potential military actions targeting drug cartels, White House officials said such decisions would be left to the secretary of defense.

The sweeping changes have sparked concern among immigration advocates and local officials, who worry about the unprecedented scope of enforcement measures and the potential implications of using military personnel in border operations – a move not seen in recent US history.

Administration officials have justified these measures by claiming that previous border policies under Joe Biden created “an unconscionable risk to public safety, public health and national security”, in a Monday call with reporters, though critics argue the actions represent an excessive militarisation of immigration enforcement.