On Monday, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border of the United States. The declaration was made to protect the security and safety of U.S. citizens. Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses has been directed by the President to support the Secretary of Homeland Security in achieving complete operational control over the southern border.
Acting Secretary Salesses stated, "Yesterday, I convened a meeting with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the senior Policy leaders of the Department of Defense (DoD), the Commanders of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), directing them to move out immediately in support of President Trump’s Executive Orders on protecting the territorial integrity and citizens of the United States."
To implement these orders, DoD has established a Task Force led by Commander USNORTHCOM, with support from USTRANSCOM, Military Services, and NGB working alongside DHS.
Salesses approved three immediate actions: First, augmenting forces at the southwest border with an additional 1,500 ground personnel along with helicopters and intelligence analysts. This marks a 60 percent increase in active-duty ground forces since Monday. Second, providing military airlift for DHS deportation flights for more than five thousand illegal aliens detained by Customs and Border Protection in San Diego and El Paso sectors. Third, assisting in constructing temporary and permanent physical barriers to enhance security against illegal crossings and trafficking.
"This is just the beginning," Salesses remarked about future plans involving cooperation with DHS and other federal agencies to address threats outlined by President Trump.
He concluded that President Trump expects immediate results from these actions under his leadership.
