the United States will deploy 1,500 additional troops to its border with Mexico

The United States is strengthening its military presence on the border with Mexico: it will send 1,500 additional soldiers to its southern border, the Pentagon spokesperson announced on Tuesday May 2. “At the request of the Department of Homeland Security”the US Secretary of Defense “approved a temporary increase of 1,500 additional military personnel to supplement border police efforts on the southwestern border”, said Pat Ryder. For 90 days, these reinforcements will support the police, particularly in terms of surveillance. “Military personnel will not directly participate in policing activities”added Pat Ryder.

This decision is explained, in the eyes of American officials, by the expiry on May 11 of a measure linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and implemented in 2020 under the Trump administration, which allows migrants to be immediately returned. without a visa, even potential asylum seekers. May 11 corresponds to the expiration of the state of health emergency, which also results in the end of the vaccination obligation for international travelers.

The United States fears a spike in arrivals at its border with the lifting of this measure, known as “Title 42”. They announced new measures last week aimed at facilitating the journey of asylum seekers or refugees, by creating “management centers” in Colombia and Guatemala.