White House likely to grant US troops authority to protect CBP personnel if needed

There are about 5,900 active-duty troops on the border with Mexico with the goal of helping harden the border ahead of the expected arrival of caravans of Central American migrants in the coming weeks.

The White House is likely to grant U.S. troops on the border with Mexico additional authorities to protect Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel if needed, a U.S. official said on Monday.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a public announcement could come around Tuesday.

There are about 5,900 active-duty troops on the border with Mexico with the goal of helping harden the border ahead of the expected arrival of caravans of Central American migrants in the coming weeks.