Pentagon sending additional 1,500 troops to southern border: US official

The U.S. Pentagon has announced that an additional 1,500 active-duty troops will be deployed to the southern border by the end of the month, according to a U.S. official speaking to Fox News. This decision comes as part of efforts to address the ongoing challenges and increase security measures along the border.

The specific units that will be sent have not been disclosed yet, but the Trump administration is expected to make a formal announcement later today. Currently, there are already 2,500 U.S. service members stationed at the southern border. These troops were initially ordered there in May 2023 during the Biden administration under title 10 authorities. The deployment was approved by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and is planned to remain in place until the end of FY2025, as confirmed by a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson.

The additional 1,500 service members will be deployed to various locations along the southern border by the end of the month, the U.S. official stated. These troops will perform similar roles to those already stationed there, including providing aerial reconnaissance, data entry, training, vehicle maintenance, detection and monitoring, as well as other logistical support roles.

This deployment marks the third time in the last two years that U.S. troops have been sent to the southern border. In May 2023, former President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Austin approved a request from former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to send an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to assist with the influx of migrants after pandemic-era health restrictions ended. In March 2024, another request from the DHS for 2,500 service members, including national guardsmen under Title 10 duty status, was approved by Austin.

The decision to send additional troops underscores the ongoing challenges and security concerns at the southern border. The increased presence of active-duty troops aims to enhance border security and support efforts to manage the influx of migrants effectively.

Liz Friden, a Pentagon producer based in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.