The Department of Defense (DoD) is taking swift action to secure the U.S.-Mexico border following President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency earlier this week. Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced the deployment of military forces and resources in response to the executive order aimed at achieving “complete operational control” of the southern border.
In a statement released Wednesday, Salesses outlined the immediate measures the DoD is implementing to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
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The DoD has established a specialized Task Force to oversee the rapid deployment of military assets and personnel to the border. The following key measures have been put into effect:
- Deployment of Additional Troops:
- Approximately 1,500 active-duty military personnel are being deployed to the southwest border.
- The deployment includes helicopters and intelligence analysts to enhance surveillance and border monitoring.
- This surge represents a 60% increase in active-duty forces since President Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
- Support for Deportation Operations:
- The Pentagon is providing military airlift capabilities to transport over 5,000 illegal immigrants detained in the San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas sectors.
- DHS will provide law enforcement escorts on these flights, while the State Department is handling diplomatic clearances and notifications to host countries.
- Border Barrier Construction:
- The DoD will assist in the construction of temporary and permanent physical barriers to deter illegal border crossings and trafficking.
- Military engineers and logistical support teams have been tasked with implementing additional border security infrastructure.
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Salesses confirmed that the operational leadership of the mission will be spearheaded by U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), working in tandem with U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), the National Guard Bureau, and other military services.
The Pentagon is coordinating efforts with DHS and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach to border security.
In a high-level meeting held Tuesday, top military officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior defense policy leaders, were instructed to “move out immediately” to implement the President’s directives.
“President Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nation’s borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership,” said Salesses.
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