The US administration is preparing for an expected rise in migrants at the US-Mexico border by sending an additional 1,500 active-duty troops. This move comes as the Title 42 public health authority, which allows for the rapid expulsion of certain migrants, is set to expire next week. At present, around 2,500 National Guard troops are stationed at the border.
In line with previous deployments, the 1,500 troops will serve in administrative roles without engaging in law enforcement activities. Their presence is intended to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocate more resources to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, enabling them to operate more effectively in the field.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has agreed to send the additional troops for a 90-day period, during which they will support the CBP in tasks such as ground-based detection and monitoring, data entry, and warehouse support. They will not be involved in law enforcement work.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment, emphasizing that military personnel will not participate in law enforcement activities. This deployment is consistent with the military's historical support of the DHS at the border.
DHS also issued a statement regarding the troops' deployment, stressing that they will not engage in law enforcement activities or interact with migrants or individuals in DHS custody.
Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey criticized the decision to deploy troops, calling it "unacceptable" and arguing that it sends a message that migrants are a threat requiring containment.
The number of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border has increased as the expiration of Title 42 approaches. Approximately 7,000 daily encounters have been reported recently, and this number is expected to rise in the coming weeks. The US and Mexico have agreed to additional measures to address the migrant crisis, including Mexico's continued acceptance of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela on humanitarian grounds after May 11.
The expected surge of migrants poses a challenge for President Biden as he launches his 2024 campaign and navigates another potential border crisis. This situation has already been used as ammunition by Republicans who criticize the administration's border enforcement measures.
