(VOVWORLD) - The Pentagon said on Wednesday that it will send an additional 2,100 soldiers to the border with Mexico, marking the latest military deployment in support of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The US National Guard troops watch over at international bridge Paso del Norte which crosses Rio Grande River to link border cities of the US and Mexico. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The deployment includes 1,000 members of the Texas National Guard and 1,100 active duty troops.
Major Chris Mitchell, a Pentagon spokesman, said that acting Defense Secretary Richard Spencer approved the additional troops on Tuesday night, and they will be assisting with tasks such as logistical support and aerial surveillance.
There are currently about 4,500 active duty and National Guard troops on ground at the border with Mexico.
The Trump administration first deployed the National Guard to the Mexican border last April and sent additional active duty soldiers six months later.