Homeland Security to be strengthened along southwest border

MEXICO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it has requested additional support from the Department of Defense to strengthen enforcement along the southwest border with Mexico in light of the upcoming cancellation of Title 42.

The agency emphasized that as part of the preparations for the reestablishment of immigration control under Title 8, comprehensive measures are being implemented with the different regional partners to reduce irregular migration, achieve safe, orderly and efficient processing, and allow for the immediate removal of individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.

In a statement, Homeland Security indicated that given the expected increase in migration, the Department of Defense (DoD) was asked to increase the number of military personnel, which currently stands at 2,500 troops providing support on the southwest border.

The DoD was also asked to incorporate an additional 1,500 DoD personnel for a period of 90 days.   

The DoD personnel will perform tasks such as field detection and monitoring, data entry and depot warehouse support. The support is intended to free up DHS members to carry out their law enforcement-related missions.  

In addition, it was reported that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be making investments in technology and personnel aimed at reducing its need for DoD support in the coming years. While the request is for a 90-day period, DoD has supported DHS at the border since 2006.