U.S. Deploys More Troops to Mexican Border Days After Biden’s Inauguration
Just two days after President Joe Biden’s inauguration, the U.S. military plans to send an additional 1,500 troops to the Mexican border. This deployment comes after an executive order signed by President Biden that demands "all necessary actions" to achieve "operational control" of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The troops will join the approximately 2,200 actively serving soldiers and thousands of National Guard members already stationed at the border. During the tumultuous first term of Donald Trump, he had ordered up to 5,200 troops to secure the border, suggesting that the number could increase in the coming days.
In a 90-day timeline, the secretaries of defense and homeland security must recommend whether additional actions, including invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, are necessary. This act allows the president to deploy the military to quell internal unrest, a power previously used to suppress civil unrest.
The Coast Guard, responsible for maritime security and law enforcement, will also promptly increase its forces and vessels in several areas, including the southeastern border near Florida, to deter and prevent a potential mass maritime migration from Haiti and/or Cuba.
ICE Arrests 300 Immigrants in First Day Under Biden
In its first full day under the Biden administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 308 immigrants classified as "serious criminals," according to Tom Homan, the "border czar" appointed by former President Trump.
Homan claimed that among those detained were rapists, murderers, and child abusers. He praised ICE’s work in prioritizing arrests as directed by President Biden and vowed continued diligence. The Department of Homeland Security, responsible for enforcing immigration laws, has yet to provide information on these arrests.
In his executive order on immigration, President Biden directed authorities to immediately deport those who enter the U.S. illegally, signaling a restoration of "catch and release" policies.
Biden Halts Refugee Resettlement Flights for 10,000 People
Moreover, the Biden administration has halted flights for approximately 10,000 refugees who had already received approval to resettle in the United States. This process can take years and leaves applicants stranded worldwide.
On Monday, President Biden signed an executive order suspending the U.S. refugee admissions program from January 27, citing it as "detrimental to the interests" of the country. However, the suspension appears to have taken effect earlier than initially announced, although the reason for the change remains unclear.
A memo obtained by CNN reveals that the agency responsible for processing and admitting refugees informed affected individuals and relevant stakeholders that the program has been temporarily suspended.
Among those affected are more than 1,600 Afghan refugees who had received approval for resettlement in the U.S., including those who worked alongside American soldiers during the war, as well as families of active-duty military personnel.
A pivotal Moment at the US-Mexico Border
The deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the US-Mexico border, so soon after President Biden’s inauguration, signals a continuation of a complex and contentious issue. while the stated goal is “operational control” of the border, the long-term implications of such a strategy remain unclear.
The decision, coming hot on the heels of an executive order demanding “all necessary actions,” sets a precedent for strong border security measures under the Biden administration. The timeline set for further recommendations, including the controversial Insurrection Act, highlights the seriousness with which the administration is approaching this challenge.
The increased troop presence raises meaningful questions about the appropriate role of the military in civil matters and the potential impact on civil liberties.It also begs the question: is increased militarization the most effective solution to addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding immigration and border security?
Ultimately, the success of this strategy depends on a nuanced and comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply bolstering physical presence. Addressing the root causes of migration, investing in border infrastructure, and ensuring humane treatment of migrants will be crucial to achieving enduring solutions and respecting the dignity of all individuals involved.
The deployment of additional troops to the US-Mexico border raises notable questions about the Biden administration’s approach to immigration. While the administration has sought to restore certain “catch and release” policies,the decision to increase military presence suggests a continuation of hard-line tactics inherited from the previous administration. The invocation of the Insurrection Act, although unlikely in the immediate future, further amplifies these anxieties, highlighting the perhaps heavy-handed approach to managing a complex humanitarian and political challenge. The administration faces a arduous balancing act: ensuring border security while upholding its commitment to humane and compassionate immigration policies. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Biden administration can reconcile these competing priorities,or if its approach will exacerbate existing tensions and create new divisions.
