Trump Is Expected To Extend U.S. Troops' Deployment To Mexico Border Into January

NPR ^ | November 28, 2018 | Bill Chapell Tom Bowman

[Beautiful_Gracious_Skies]

President Trump is expected to extend the deployment of thousands of U.S. troops to the U.S.-Mexico border into January rather than withdrawing the personnel in the middle of December, Pentagon officials tell NPR. The move would further extend the rare deployment of active-duty troops at the Mexico border, rather than just National Guard personnel.

The deployment orders for active-duty troops had been scheduled to end on Dec. 15. But defense officials tell NPR that the much of the active-duty troop deployment is expected to be extended into January and that part of the force may also be switched out for new troops.

News that the deployment will likely extend through the holidays....

Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the troops are meant to support Customs and Border Protection agents and provide logistical help — everything from installing barbed wire to moving personnel to where they're needed. The troops include military engineers and military police, who are supposed to leave any actual law enforcement duties to CBP officials.

The military deployment came after the DHS asked the Pentagon to help its BP units along the southern border in October, planning for the arrival of a caravan of thousands of migrants from Central America. Trump's political opponents called the move, which came just before the November midterm elections, was called an overreaction — and even a stunt.

In addition to the 5,900 active-duty personnel, the Trump administration has sent 2,100 National Guard troops to the border.

NATIONAL SECURITY Marines Deployed To U.S.-Mexico Border As Central American Migrants Continue North....[snip]

In April, Trump signed a proclamation to send National Guard troops along the southern border, as part of his campaign to cut down on illegal immigration — a key part of his political platform.

[Beautiful_Gracious_Skies]

If the wall was in place, none (or little) of these deployments to the border would be necessary.

Some one good at math needs to calculate the alien per head cost to US taxpayers vs. each 'brick in the wall.'

For instance, each imported family we support cost __________segment of a mile of border wall.

What is the annual cost of 30 million illegal aliens?

[ArcadeQuarters]

Extend the deployment through 2024.

[Logical me]

One mistake Trump is making, he should arm troops. That would discourage any attempt to cross the border when the fool see guns. And add tear gas with occasional pepper spray. And hit them on the Mexican side of the border.

[grumpygresh]

Trump can always argue that he could reduce troops, hazardous duty and spending with a wall or fortifications.

Meanwhile, give the troops a shovel and start digging trenches etc.

[Lean-Right]

The military police are armed for
defensive purposes, but can not
assist in apprehension.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2082306002