Reports from the Pentagon or U.S. Department of Defense

Pentagon Deploys 1,500 Armed Troops and Military Aircraft to Border Following Trump's Order

Jan 22, 2025, 11:00 PM

The Pentagon is deploying up to 1,500 additional active-duty troops, including 500 Marines, to the southern U.S. border with Mexico beginning today, following President Donald Trump's recent executive order to enhance border security. This deployment represents a 60% increase in active-duty forces at the border. The troops will be armed with full combat capability, unlike previous border missions. According to a senior Marine official, 'The 500 Marines being sent will be armed and have magazines in their weapons.' The U.S. Transportation Command has been instructed to prepare military aircraft, including C-130 and C-17 transport planes, to assist in migrant deportation flights.