US sends 1,500 troops to bolster resources at southern border ahead of expected surge of migrants

The US is sending 1,500 troops to bolster resources at its southern border ahead of an expected surge of migrants, the defence department said. They will accompany 2,500 National Guard members already in place to support the work of border agents. Title 42, a Trump-era policy that gives the government power to automatically expel undocumented migrants, is set to expire on 11th May.

Officials expect a sharp increase in migrants to follow. The additional military personnel will be



deployed for 90 days to supplement the work of US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers. The Department of Defense said the additional personnel would fill critical capability gaps. 

Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder told media that the troops will arrive as early as 10th May. The deployment is meant to ease the growing pressure on border agents as they prepare for a sharp increase in migrants at the southern border.