- Trump orders 1,500 active troops to US-Mexico border
- The measure will ramp up efforts to “repel, repatriate, and remove” undocumented immigrants
- The administration has also expanded expedited removal policies to anywhere in the USA
Trump orders 1,500 active troops to US-Mexico border
President Donald Trump has directed US agencies to ramp up efforts to “repel, repatriate, and remove” undocumented immigrants, framing it as part of a broader effort to combat what he calls an “invasion” at the southern border.
As part of these measures, 1,500 additional active-duty troops will be deployed to the US-Mexico border. The administration has also expanded expedited removal policies, allowing for the swift deportation of undocumented migrants anywhere in the US, not just within 100 miles of the border.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that these actions send a “very strong message” to deter illegal immigration. She emphasised that those attempting to enter the US unlawfully will be arrested, prosecuted, and returned home.
In addition, the US has halted refugee travel and processing, leaving thousands waiting for entry into the country. Trump has declared illegal immigration a national emergency and is pursuing other related policies, including reevaluating birthright citizenship.
The new expedited removal policy took effect on January 21, according to a Federal Register notice. Trump has made border security and immigration enforcement a top priority in his administration’s early days.