The Pentagon is preparing to send up to 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a broader effort by former President Trump to curb the flow of migrants into the country. Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses is expected to authorize the deployment on Wednesday, though final troop numbers remain uncertain and subject to change, according to The Associated Press.
National Emergency Declaration and Expanded Military Role
This move follows a series of immigration-related executive orders signed by Trump earlier this week. One order declares a national emergency at the southern border, paving the way for an expanded military presence. Another directs U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) to create a detailed operational plan for deploying troops, citing the need to respond to what Trump described as an "invasion."
Northcom, which already oversees Joint Task Force-North based in Fort Bliss, Texas, typically uses troops to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with logistical support, transportation, and surveillance. While the task force has an authorized capacity of up to 4,000 troops, mostly National Guard personnel, Trump’s latest directive may significantly alter their role, potentially pushing military involvement into uncharted legal territory.
Concerns Over Legal and Constitutional Implications
Legal experts have raised alarms about the scope and implications of Trump’s orders. Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, criticized the move, suggesting that Trump is bypassing traditional legal frameworks like the Insurrection Act to justify military action at the border.
“In this executive order, Trump seems to be bypassing the Insurrection Act and going straight to the president’s inherent constitutional authority to repel foreign invasions — with enormous implications for the use of force, cross-border operations, detention authority, etc.,” Goitein wrote on social media. She also noted that unlawful migration does not meet the legal definition of an "invasion" and described the potential use of military force against migrants as "a stunning abuse of power."
Broader Immigration Strategy
The anticipated deployment coincides with Trump’s reinstatement of the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. Critics argue that these measures are part of an aggressive push to restrict immigration, raising concerns about humanitarian impacts and the militarization of immigration enforcement.
What’s Next?
The Pentagon and Northcom are expected to finalize operational plans in the coming days. Meanwhile, legal challenges and public debate over the administration’s approach to border security are likely to intensify.
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