Trump orders military surge to confront border 'invasion'
The President of the USA, Donald Trump, signed an order to deploy 1,500 soldiers to the border with Mexico to counter what he referred to as an "invasion."
White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that Trump instructed the Department of Defense to prioritize homeland security. The soldiers are to support border services with logistics, transportation, and barrier construction.
The new order involves the use of the military to counteract the "invasion" and to physically prevent migrants from crossing the border.
According to CNN, the U.S. Transportation Command has been directed to get ready to utilize American military resources, such as military aircraft, for migrant repatriation flights.
The Pentagon will provide aircraft equipment for the deportation of over 5,000 illegal immigrants from California and Texas. These actions are part of a broader strategy that also includes constructing a border wall.
State of emergency at the border
Two days before deciding to send troops, Trump signed a series of orders, including the establishment of a state of emergency at the border. The U.S. president described illegal immigration as an "invasion," which he believes justifies the use of the military.
American soldiers have been stationed at the border since 2018. Currently, according to CNN, about 2,200 soldiers from the Northern Command are supporting border services in various auxiliary tasks.
Last year, the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, deployed National Guard troops to the border. Their number now exceeds 4,000. The soldiers perform support roles such as monitoring the border and providing logistical assistance.
Source: PAP, CNN
