Biden sending 1,500 troops for Mexico border migrant surge
YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - President Biden is sending 1,500 troops to the border in expectation of a migrant surge when title 42 ends.
The Department of Homeland Security says the troops will be assisting in administrative roles.
So while they’re coming to border sectors like Yuma, they won’t be physically placed at the wall.
“Early this morning Senator Kelly called me and told me he had spoken to the White House and that there would be an announcement made soon,” said Yuma County Supervisor, Jonathan Lines.
The announcement made Tuesday morning said at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Department is expected to provide a temporary increase of 1,500 military personnel for 90 days.
Although CBP says it does not know how many troops will be deployed to Yuma at this time, supervisor Lines says he’s glad the White House is hearing Yuma’s concerns.
“We have been sharing our concerns with all of our federal representatives and they have in turn, communicated our fears and concerns to the White House,” said Lines.
The troops would be active duty, not national guard, and would not be armed.
“These personnel will be performing administrative tasks like data entry and warehouse support. They will not be performing law enforcement functions or interacting with immigrants or migrants,” said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary.
Troops would not use force or make arrests but would support Border Patrol as needed.
“This will free up Border Patrol agents to perform their critical law enforcement duties. I will also add that this would not be necessary if congress would act,” said Jean-Pierre.
Per DHS statement there are already 2,500 military personnel at the border so the 1,500 request is for additional support.
“They didn’t previously have a plan in place, so I applaud the administrations efforts to do something, it might be a little late or too little, but at least it’s a step on the right direction,” said Lines.
There are also signs the expected surge is already here at the border, as the Border Patrol’s Chief says over 7,000 migrants are crossing the border a day since the weekend.
