Hundreds of U.S. Troops Headed to the Border In Response to Nearing Migrant Caravan

By Brandon Morse | 12:00 PM on October 25, 2018

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This frame grab from video provided by Televisa, shows migrants bound for the U.S.-Mexico border waiting on a bridge that stretches over the Suchiate River, connecting Guatemala and Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. The gated entry into Mexico via the bridge has been closed. The U.S. president has made it clear to Mexico that he is monitoring its response. On Thursday he threatened to close the U.S. border if Mexico didn't stop the caravan. (Televisa via AP)

As the thousands deep migrant caravan approaches the U.S. border, the federal government has responded by sending hundreds of troops to meet them.

According to Fox News, 800 soldiers will be sent to the border to provide “logistical support,” including bringing tents and vehicles. At this time, however, the mission of the soldiers is still unclear.

Fox News reported that James Mattis could sign the deployment orders “as soon as today,” which very well may happen as President Donald Trump addressed the crisis this morning on Twitter, tweeting “they will be stopped!”

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

At this time, 2,100 National Guard troops are already stationed at the border to assist Homeland Security in preparation for the oncoming caravan, which is currently 1,000 miles away from the nearest U.S. border checkpoint.

Fox News reported that migrants are already fearing what may happen to them once they reach the border:

Some also told Fox News they fear getting attacked if they hop on a cargo train or getting deported if they take a bus.

“They are going to walk as long as they can,” said caravan member Brian Colindres, “or as far as they can.”

A majority of those walking say they are looking for a better life north of the border are fleeing poverty and violence in Honduras, where the caravan originated. They are exhausted and unaware of what will happen – but they remain optimistic.

What is going to happen to them once they reach the U.S. is unclear. What the soldiers sent to do at the border is likely going to involve some kind of force, though it’s not clear how far they will be ordered to go.