Troops began arriving in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, on Thursday night following President Donald Trump's decision to declare a national emergency at the southern border.
Additional support of 1,500 active-duty troops is comprised of 1,000 U.S. Army and 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton, California, who will be assigned to missions along the border upon arrival.
“This represents a 60% increase in active-duty ground troops since President Trump took office on Monday,” Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Susses said in a statement late Wednesday.
Pentagon sends 1,500 additional troops to southern border: US official
On March 21, 2024, a group of more than 100 immigrants are seen rushing into the border wall in an attempt to enter the United States illegally. In the process, the migrants mowed down the Texas National Guard before being stopped by the border wall. (James Breeden, New York Post/Mega)
There are already 2,500 U.S. military personnel stationed at the southern border.
According to a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command, the troops will be ordered there in May 2023 under the Biden administration under Title 10 authority approved by former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and will remain there until the end of fiscal year 2025.
The National Guard will also increase support for additional personnel, military airlift, barrier construction, and other capabilities in response to directives from the President and Secretary of Defense, and will collaborate with USNORTHCOM and the U.S. Transportation Command on emergency missions, according to a statement from the National Guard Public Administration. Adjusting requirements. Office work.
Border czar Tom Homan's message to far-left officials opposed to mass deportations: 'It's game'
Active-duty military personnel began arriving along the southern border Thursday night after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to address the immigration crisis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
“More than 1,600 National Guard members currently support federal border security missions,” said Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, director of the National Guard Bureau. “Working with our joint service partners, we are developing additional support options to meet the force requirements of USNORTHCOM, USTRANSCOM, and the Department of Homeland Security as this critical mission evolves.”
Additionally, more than 4,100 Texas National Guard members remain on duty at the border, supporting ongoing Operation Lone Star efforts.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Some of the troops deployed to the southern border were on standby or active in support of wildfires in California, but have been relieved of their duties and are now being reassigned, the official added. Ta.
Fox News Digital's Liz Friden, Stephen Sorace, Jennifer Griffin and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
