Defense Secretary Austin Approves Homeland Security Request for Troops at Border - May 2, 2023

In response to a request from the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has approved a temporary increase in the number of service members supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the Southwest border.

DOD will send 1,500 service members in response to the request, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on May 2, 2023. There are already 2,500 National Guardsmen assisting CBP, a Homeland Security agency.