President Donald Trump is wasting no time in tackling the border crisis, signing an executive order Wednesday to send an additional 1,500 troops to the southern border. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered the news during a press briefing outside the White House, emphasizing that this decisive move is part of Trump’s broader commitment to making homeland security a core mission of the Department of Defense.
“This is something President Trump campaigned on,” Leavitt told reporters. “The American people have been waiting for such a time as this—for our Department of Defense to actually take homeland security seriously.” Trump’s rapid action on this issue sends a clear message: securing the border isn’t just a campaign promise—it’s now a top priority for his administration.
Leavitt also made it clear that this executive order is about more than just deploying troops—it’s about taking a hard stance on illegal immigration. “President Trump is sending a very strong message to people around this world: if you are thinking about breaking the laws of the United States of America, you will be returned home. You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted,” she said. The deployment of additional military personnel underscores Trump’s determination to ensure that the border crisis is met with the seriousness it demands.
It’s taken for granted how low-IQ most mainstream press reporters are. These are not smart people. https://t.co/iv1WsKlgMg
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) January 22, 2025
This announcement follows Trump’s January 20 declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, part of a broader suite of immigration-related executive actions. Among the measures included in that declaration are the suspension of refugee resettlement and an end to birthright citizenship. Combined, these policies signal a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, aimed at reducing illegal entries and addressing what the Trump administration has repeatedly called an “invasion” at the border.
The 1,500 troops headed to the border will assist in logistical support, surveillance, and enforcement efforts alongside Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. This move comes in response to a surge in illegal crossings, with record numbers of migrants apprehended in recent months. Trump’s administration has pointed to a lack of resources and enforcement under the previous administration as the primary cause of the crisis. “This is a number one priority of the American people, and the president has already delivered,” Leavitt declared.
Critics of Trump’s actions are already voicing their concerns, claiming that the increased militarization of the border could lead to human rights violations and strain relations with neighboring Mexico. However, Trump’s supporters see this as a long-overdue step to address a problem that has spiraled out of control. For Trump, the border crisis is not just a policy issue—it’s a cornerstone of his “America First” agenda and a defining feature of his presidency.
Beyond troop deployment, Trump’s executive actions also include directives to prioritize deportations and streamline legal proceedings for those who cross the border illegally. The administration has stated that it will not allow sanctuary cities or lenient state-level policies to undermine federal immigration laws.
The president’s bold moves on immigration mark a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s approach, which critics argue allowed border enforcement to falter and encouraged illegal crossings. Trump’s team sees this as a course correction—a return to policies that prioritize the safety and security of American citizens.
