Securing America's southern border will not be the only task the soldiers being deployed there will face, as they are also preparing to defend themselves against violent protesters and militias who want to steal their gear.
Military Times reported Thursday that the troops — which will number more than 5,000 and could be as high as 15,000 — will have their hands full. President Donald Trump is sending them there to shore up the border because of the multiple caravans of migrants making their way toward the United States.
The Times cited military documents that said the deployed troops will be prepared to deal with an "estimated 200 unregulated armed militia members currently operating along the [Southwest Border]. Reported Incidents of unregulated militias stealing National Guard equipment during deployments. They operate under the guise of citizen patrols supporting [Customs and Border Patrol] primarily between [Points of Entry]."
The document continued, "historically, protests occur at the various [Customs and Border Patrol points of entry] in support of immigrants and, in some incidents, cause closures. Previous protests in support of immigration caravans or enforcement of immigration law have occurred throughout the U.S. Normally peaceful unless extreme right or left groups attend."
Trump said Thursday the troops being deployed will be prepared to use force if the migrants resort to violence as they arrive at the border.
"They want to throw rocks at our military, our military fights back," Trump said. "I told them, consider it a rifle."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.