Troops at border will respond in self-defense if needed

Nearly 6,000 troops are stationed across the southwest border in response to an approaching caravan of migrants believed to be in the thousands.

U.S. Army Lt. Major General Jeff Buchanan said, “Our military police are very well trained to use, both army and marines, are very well trained to use a minimum amount of force necessary to control a situation.”

He said 1,500 troops are now stationed at the California border in support of the U.S. Border Patrol.

“We’re not here to conduct arrests or anything. We’re just here to support them,” Buchanan said.

Their mission is to give logistical and intelligence support to local law enforcement agencies, primarily to U.S.B.P. Buchanan said the troops are prepared to respond to any act of aggression towards them, if needed.

“First of all, our military personnel have the right of inherit self-defense. If that violence was directed against them, yes, we can defend ourselves. Our military police are in fact armed,” Buchanan said.

Operation Secure Line has nearly 3,000 troops in Texas and another 1,500 in Arizona as well.

“Aviation planners, engineers, medical operations and logistic planners to support U.S.C.B.P.,” Buchanan said.

Officials didn’t confirm exactly how many troops are stationed across the Imperial County border. They said the mission of Secure Line is expected to end at middle of December.