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Pentagon to deploy 1,000 more troops to support Trump’s immigration crackdown

The Pentagon has been working to implement Trump’s executive orders, which he signed shortly after taking office on 20 January.

President Donald Trump listens as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 additional active-duty troops to reinforce former President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, US officials said on Friday.

According to officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as no formal announcements have been made, around 500 soldiers mainly a headquarters unit from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York will be sent to the southwest border.

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Another 500 Marines will be deployed

to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where some detained migrants are expected to be held. “The discussions are ongoing, and the numbers could increase as further details are finalised,” one official stated.

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The Pentagon has been working to implement Trump’s executive orders, which he signed shortly after taking office on 20 January. Last week, the first wave of 1,600 active-duty troops arrived at the border.

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The deployments underscore Trump’s commitment to expanding the military’s role in his efforts to tighten border security and repatriate detained migrants. Troops stationed at the border will assist in setting up concertina wire barriers, providing transport, intelligence, and other support for the Border Patrol.

Meanwhile, those sent to Guantanamo Bay will help prepare the facility for an influx of detainees and carry out additional support duties.

(with inputs from Reuters)

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