(VitalNews.org) – As a pandemic-era immigration rule expires, the White House will be sending 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to deal with the overflow of illegal migrants.
The rule, Title 42, allows quick expulsion of immigrants because of alleged concerns about COVID-19. When that workaround is no longer available, direct action will likely be necessary.
The Biden administration anticipates there may be a surge of tens of thousands of immigrants once Title 42 expires. The 1,500 troops to be deployed will come from the Army and will be in place for 90 days. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the deployment would be similar to troop surges ordered by former presidents including George W. Bush.
According to the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requested the troops. They’re expected to be deployed by May 10th. Soldiers will apparently be armed for self-defense, but will not directly enforce laws.
Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder released a statement describing the operation. He said the 1,500 troops will “fill critical capability gaps” such as administrative and warehouse work until private contractors can be brought in to fill those roles.
According to statistics from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), about 46 percent of migrants who show up at the border are expelled under Title 42. CBP has been warning migrants that they’ll be expelled if they try to enter the country illegally. The Biden administration is encouraging immigrants to use a phone app called “CBP One” to schedule appointments at entry points to have their asylum claims processed.
Meanwhile, the White House is trying to put responsibility for the border situation on lawmakers. The administration said on May 2nd that the troops “would not be necessary if Congress would act.” As many Congressional Reps and Senators have been pushing the White House to act more aggressively on illegal immigration, it is not clear what the White House wishes Congress to do.
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