Pentagon Deploys 1,500 Troops Along US-Mexico Border

The Pentagon said it has begun deploying 1,500 active duty troops to help secure the southern border, putting in motion plans President Donald Trump laid out in executive orders shortly after he took office to crack down on immigration.

- WASHINGTON

Acting Defence Secretary Robert Salesses said the troops will fly helicopters to assist Border Patrol agents and help in the construction of barriers. The Pentagon also will provide military aircraft for Department of Homeland Security deportation flights for more than 5,000 detained migrants.

The number of troops and their mission may soon change, Salesses said in a statement. "This is just the beginning," he said.