Trump to deploy troops to US-Mexico border in hardline immigration strategy
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Controversial move follows flurry of executive actions including suspension of refugee resettlement programme. The Pentagon is set to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border as part of Donald Trump’s aggressive new immigration enforcement strategy, marking a significant militarisation of the southern border.
The controversial move, defence officials told the New York Times, comes amid a flurry of executive actions targeting immigration in the early days of Trump’s presidency. The acting defense secretary, Robert Salesses, is expected to authorise the deployment, though specific units have not yet been identified.
These troops will join the 2,500 army reserve and national guard soldiers who were previously called to active duty in recent months to support federal law enforcement officials at the border. As the Times notes, it remains unclear what role the 4,000 troops will play under the Trump administration.
The administration’s hardline approach has already created ripple effects across the immigration system. Sign up to This Week in Trumpland. A deep dive into the policies, controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration. after newsletter promotion.
The state department has suspended the refugee resettlement programme, leaving thousands of previously approved refugees stranded worldwide. Trump has also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy and announced plans to pursue expanded use of capital punishment for certain immigrant-related offences.
