As promised in his election campaign, Donald Trump has enacted sweeping measures to secure the southern border of the United States. By signing an executive order, Trump declared illegal immigration at the border a national emergency and directed the deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the area, marking a bold fulfillment of his campaign promises.

Anexecutive action, posted on the White Houses website, argued that the measures were critical to preventing undocumented immigrants from entering the country. The document cited concerns about these individuals “invading” American communities and “imposing billions of dollars of costs” on state and local governments.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the border as a “number one priority” for the president. Speaking to reporters after the signing of the order, she issued a stern warning: “If you are thinking about breaking the laws of the United States of America, you will be returned home. You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted.”

Troop Deployment and Expanded Enforcement

Currently, approximately 2,500 National Guard and Reserve forces are stationed at the border. The newly deployed 1,500 active-duty troops will join them in providing logistical support, transportation, and barrier constructionroles similar to those undertaken during past deployments under both Trump and former President Joe Biden. Notably, no active-duty personnel had previously been assigned to the area.

Trump also directed the incoming Secretary of Defense and the Homeland Security chief to consider invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, which would permit the use of military forces for civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil. The last invocation of this act occurred in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots.

Challenges to Birthright Citizenship

In addition to the border-related measures, President Trump has set his sights on revisiting the constitutional amendment that guarantees birthright citizenship. This has sparked immediate debate among legal scholars and immigration advocates, with many questioning the feasibility and legality of such a move.

The presidents immigration agenda has already seen early victories. Congress recently passed theLaken Riley Act, a legislative triumph that reinforces Trumps hardline stance on immigration. Though details of the act remain scant, it is seen as a key component of the administrations broader strategy to tighten border security and immigration enforcement.

Since his inauguration, President Trump has signed a series of immigration-related executive orders. These measures include redefining birthright citizenship and addressing the national emergency at the border. The White House has framed these actions as vital to protecting American communities and ensuring the integrity of U.S. borders.