The Pentagon will soon deploy up to 1,500 active duty troops to the southern border, aiming to enhance security as part of the broader immigration strategy outlined by President Donald Trump in recent executive orders. This announcement follows reports from AP News and CNN, confirming the military's logistical support role alongside approximately 2,500 National Guard and Reserve forces already stationed at the border.

Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses is anticipated to finalize the deployment details shortly, yet the specifics about which units will be involved remain unclear. These troops are set to assist with logistics, transportation, and construction of barriers to aid U.S. Customs and Border Protection, continuing the trend of military involvement in border security that has seen increased activity under both the Trump and Biden administrations.

Within the framework of U.S. law, particularly the Posse Comitatus Act, active duty troops are generally prohibited from engaging in law enforcement activities, including arresting migrants. However, an executive order from Trump allows the Secretary of Defense and the Homeland Security Chief to evaluate the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act, which could alter these restrictions within 90 days. This strategic move is part of a renewed effort to combat what Trump has termed “unlawful mass migration.”

Historically, deployments have included substantial numbers of military personnel, with a peak of over 7,000 active duty troops in previous years. These deployments are typically characterized by a focus on support functions—transporting border agents, providing medical assistance, and constructing barriers—rather than direct involvement in apprehending illegal entrants. This was evident during the 2018 deployments, where similar roles were carried out.

As federal resources on the southern border have faced increasing strain due to fluctuating migrant numbers, the additional troop presence is expected to enhance operational capacity for border enforcement efforts. According to VOA News, the new force will primarily assist in non-enforcement tasks such as maintaining command centers and intelligence analysis.

Critics of the military's involvement in domestic immigration policy argue that further entrenchment of military forces could complicate civil-military relations and overshadow the necessity for comprehensive immigration reform. As the situation unfolds, many are closely watching how these deployments will reshape the operational landscape on the border.