WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - U.S. officials announced plans on Wednesday to deploy approximately 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the Mexican border, just days after taking action on immigration.
These troops will supplement the roughly 2,200 active-duty personnel and thousands of National Guard troops already stationed along the border.
During his previous term, Republican Trump directed 5,200 troops to support border security, while Democratic former President Joe Biden also deployed active-duty troops.
An official, speaking anonymously, indicated that this deployment might be the initial wave of troops and that their numbers could swell. The use of U.S. military aircraft for migrant deportations is under consideration but pending approval.
Upon assuming office, Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency. He tasked the military with reinforcing border security, imposed a broad asylum ban, and initiated measures to restrict birthright citizenship.
His recent executive order instructed the Pentagon to deploy sufficient troops to achieve "complete operational control of the southern border of the United States."
"Within 90 days, recommendations from the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security will determine if invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 is necessary," the order stated.
The Insurrection Act of 1807 grants the president authority to deploy the military to suppress domestic uprisings and has been utilized in the past to quell civil unrest.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to enhance border security and increase deportations. He criticized Biden for surges in illegal immigration, though apprehensions of illegal border crossers had significantly declined after Biden implemented stricter policies and Mexico bolstered enforcement.
The Coast Guard, responsible for maritime security and law enforcement, announced plans to bolster forces and ships along various regions, including the southeast Florida border, to deter potential mass migrations from Haiti and Cuba.
Another focal area is the maritime border between Texas and Mexico in the "Gulf of America." Trump advocated for renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.