The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may request up to 10,000 U.S. military troops to assist operations at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to an internal Border Patrol memo. This follows recent deployments of active-duty and National Guard personnel to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
On Thursday, 1,500 active-duty troops, including 1,000 Army personnel and 500 Marines, began arriving in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Their roles will focus on surveillance, logistical support, and processing, but they will not perform law enforcement duties. These new troops increase the total number of active-duty personnel at the border to 4,000, a 60% rise since early 2023.
The US Marine Corps Is On The Border Assisting CBP With The Mission To Secure America
Promise Made –> Promise KEPT! pic.twitter.com/t384DH1FDl
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 24, 2025
The 10th Mountain Division has also been ordered to prepare for deployment, with planners already coordinating with U.S. Northern Command. While the exact number of troops from the division has not been confirmed, some units are unavailable due to overseas assignments.
National Guard forces are also providing significant support, with over 1,600 Guardsmen currently assisting CBP. An additional 4,100 Texas National Guard personnel are stationed along the border under Operation Lone Star.
Military personnel are assisting with non-combat tasks such as building barriers, providing airlift capabilities, and potentially housing detainees at military bases. Four cargo planes, including C-17s and C-130s, have been positioned in San Diego and Fort Bliss, Texas, to support deportation operations once finalized by the State Department.
Marines have constructed several Tents and are currently stretching out Concertina Wire, at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station in San Diego, California. This Station is located less than 2 Miles from the U.S-Mexico Border. pic.twitter.com/y4FLzDIr3D
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 24, 2025
CBP may request additional resources, including military technology and infrastructure. There is also alleged consideration for Navy involvement in coastal operations, though no specific plans have been confirmed.
