By the end of January 2025, 1,500 active-duty U.S. troops will be stationed at the southwest border, joining 2,500 Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers who are already there. The existing troops are currently focused on detecting and monitoring border crossings, entering data, providing training, and assisting with transportation and maintenance tasks related to border management. The specific role of the new active-duty troops is still unclear, especially since border activity is currently low.

President Trump’s executive order assigns the military a clear role in immigration enforcement. The Department of Defense is instructed to come up with a plan to strengthen the border to prevent illegal crossings. However, a law from the 1870s, known as the Posse Comitatus Act, generally limits the use of federal troops for domestic matters and may be used to challenge the plan.

Meanwhile, efforts are also underway within the U.S. to begin implementing Trump’s mass deportation plan. It’s still unclear how federal troops will be involved in carrying out this action, but it seems likely. These developments are part of President Trump’s executive orders addressing immigration.

If you have questions about any U.S. immigration-related issue, contact us. Our clients work directly with attorneys every step of the way to ensure they get expert advice for their specific situations. We continue to actively monitor ongoing updates under the new administration.