Washington, Mar 2 (V7N) — The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of up to 3,000 additional troops to the U.S. southern border, including armored vehicles, according to Defense Department officials.

At the direction of President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team and an aviation battalion to assist with border security efforts. The troops are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. These forces will join the growing military presence already stationed at the border.

In January, Trump authorized the deployment of 1,500 active-duty soldiers to join approximately 2,500 National Guard and Reserve troops already on the ground. Additionally, headquarters personnel from the 10th Mountain Division have been stationed at the border to help manage operations.

The newly deployed soldiers will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in their efforts to handle migrant activities at the border. Their tasks will include setting up observation posts, conducting patrols, and notifying ICE when they identify breaches in the border. However, they will not have the authority to make arrests.

This deployment is part of the broader effort to address immigration challenges that have been central to President Trump’s policies. Previous U.S. administrations have also sent active-duty troops to the border to assist with security operations.

In late February, the U.S. Army began planning to house up to 30,000 migrant detainees at military bases within the United States. Fort Bliss in Texas and Fort Huachuca in Arizona have been identified as potential locations for these detention centers, and preparations are underway, including inventorying tents and razor wire.

This ongoing military presence at the border comes after President Trump declared a national emergency to address immigration issues.

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