The Biden administration intends to deploy 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border for 90 days to cover significant "capability gaps" in preparation for an anticipated rise in migrants coming at the southern border.
This occurred days before a pandemic-related border regulation that permitted US authorities to turn away tens of thousands of migrants trying to enter the US-Mexico border.
In order to free up US Customs and Border Protection agents to concentrate on the field, military soldiers will carry out jobs, including keeping an eye out for crossings, keeping an eye on camera feeds, data input, and warehouse support, per AP News.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said the military wouldn't engage in "law enforcement functions" or meet with migrants at the US-Mexico border.
US Customs and Border Protection already has 2,500 National Guardsmen on the border providing help. With the latest addition, there will be 4,000 US military soldiers on the border overall, with National Guard members still serving in that role, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The deployment is intended to relieve some of the strain on Customs and Border Protection agents, who are gearing up for a possible increase in US-Mexico border crossings when Title 42 expires on May 11. CBS News reported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is in charge of managing the border, has received Pentagon approval for its request for soldiers.
In accordance with the agreement, DHS was required to provide the Department of Defense with quarterly updates on how it planned to staff its border mission without using active-duty personnel during this fiscal year.
Temporary But Crucial Measure in The US-Mexico Border
It is unclear at this time if such adjustments have taken place or whether DHS will be able to adhere to the conditions of the agreement, especially in light of another wave of immigration.
In order to prepare for fully assuming the border mission, including their attempt to implement steps to curb migration, enhance processing, and expedite the expulsion of illegal immigrants, DHS announced the need for more personnel who will serve temporarily.
The measure comes as the Biden administration has responded to record numbers of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border by clamping down on those who do it illegally and by establishing new routes intended to provide options to a perilous and sometimes fatal trek.
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