The U.S. Army announced the deployment of an additional three thousand troops to the U.S.-Mexico border as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. 

The U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) stated in a press release on Saturday evening that "approximately 2,400 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will be sent to the border, along with around 500 soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade." The statement clarified that the unit's tasks will focus on surveillance, monitoring, administrative support, transportation and storage support, logistics support, vehicle maintenance, and engineering support, noting that the unit will not participate in operations to repel or deport illegal immigrants.

NORTHCOM Commander General Gregory Guillot said in the statement that "these reinforcements will help provide greater flexibility and continue efforts to stop the flow of irregular migration and drugs at the southern border."

U.S. authorities had previously announced a 39% decrease in arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico to the United States in January compared to the previous month, marking the first indication of the impact of President Donald Trump's campaign to combat illegal immigration.