With the migrant caravan still on the march to the U.S. border, it seems President Trump has decided to make good on his promise to use the military to help close the border. After Trump tweeted a threat to send in the military to the border should Mexico fail to stop the mass of migrants, our neighbors to the south stepped up and at least made an effort to turn back the tide. But ultimately, they failed.
A U.S. official told Fox News Thursday morning that roughly 800 soldiers from the National Guard will be deployed to offer “logistical support” to the Department of Homeland Security and National Guard soldiers already on the border. There are currently about 2,100 troops already in place, and Defense Secretary James Mattis is expected to sign the deployment orders as early as today.
President Trump tweeted this morning that he was, in fact, bringing in the military:
Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council is right when he says on @foxandfriends that the Democrat inspired laws make it tough for us to stop people at the Border. MUST BE CHANDED, but I am bringing out the military for this National Emergency. They will be stopped!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2018
What Happens Now?
[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”24″]The National Guard doesn’t make a habit of gunning down unarmed civilians.[/perfectpullquote]Liberty Nation’s Tim Donner asked the question: What Happens When the Caravan Reaches Our Border? As he explains, that will probably depend, largely, on the validity of their individual claims to refugee status. The National Guard is on the border to lend non-violent support to Border Patrol and other Homeland Security operations.
While news of the deployment may conjure images of a great battle or even massacre at the border, the reality is that the National Guard doesn’t make a habit of gunning down unarmed civilians. Having said that, tensions are high, and should any of the mob turn violent, the situation could take a nasty turn.
Most likely, however, Border Patrol and the National Guard will aim to get the caravanners sorted out in some form of temporary shelter along the border, distribute food and water and treat as many in need of medical attention as possible, and begin the process of examining their appeals for asylum. Those who are determined to have a legitimate claim will be allowed to enter. Those who are not approved will be ordered to turn back, and any who are caught attempting to cross illegally will be detained and deported. It seems nigh inevitable that many will slip through.
Previously, those to be detained and deported would have been housed in U.S. facilities, courtesy the American taxpayer. However, as per the new agreement with Mexico, any who make it to the U.S. border and are denied entry become the responsibility of Mexico. So long as we catch them, they’ll be sent back to Mexico to be processed. Whether that results in their deportation to Central America or not, they’re Mexico’s problem from there.
