Calls for 1,000 troops to be sent to US-Mexico border as migrant convoy nears

Calls for 1,000 troops to be sent to US-Mexico border as migrant convoy nears A convoy of migrants is less than 2,000 miles from the US border, but faces an uncertain fate when it gets there.

Trump declares migrant caravan a national emergency

Calls for up to 1,000 American troops to be sent to the US-Mexican border have been made by the Department of Homeland Security.

The US military received the request from government for active duty troops, an American official said on Thursday.

The source said it could involve between 800 and 1,000 troops assisting with logistics and infrastructure.

The additional troops are to provide what one official described as logistical support to the Border Patrol, which is preparing for the arrival of thousands of Central American migrants who are crossing Mexico and aiming for the US in a huge convoy - many on foot.

The duties of these extra troops would include a variety of things such as vehicles, tents and equipment, and perhaps medical support. It was not immediately clear how many, if any, of the extra troops would be armed.


The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment but defence secretary Jim Mattis is expected to sign and approve the order.

It comes as President Donald Trump said the military would be used to tackle what he termed a "national emergency" on the border.

He tweeted that "Democrat inspired" laws make it difficult to stop people crossing into the US.

Writing in capital letters, he appeared to say he wanted the laws changed but misspelled the word - typing that the laws "must be CHANDED".

"I am bringing out the military for this National Emergency," he continued.

Four days after crossing into Mexico, the caravan is more than 1,860 miles (3,000 km) from the US border.

Many of the migrants say they are fleeing violence and gang warfare. Those walking to the border have told Sky News they hope to find jobs in America and seek a better life.

The UN estimates that 7,000 people have joined the caravan since it set out from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on 13 October.

About 2,100 National Guardsmen are already deployed to the border, following a presidential order in April.