Mattis authorizes deployment of troops to US-Mexico border: Official

Mattis has authorized the deployment of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. officials said on Friday, bolstering President Donald Trump's battle against a caravan of Central American migrants trekking toward the United States.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has authorized the deployment of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. officials said on Friday, bolstering President Donald Trump's battle against a caravan of Central American migrants trekking toward the United States.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mattis' authorization did not include a specific number of troops, something that would be determined at a later point.

U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday that the Trump administration was considering deploying between 800 and 1,000 troops. They would not be engaged in any law enforcement activities, something that is prohibited under U.S. law.