A new Department of Homeland Security request for additional troops and other logistical support on the southern border has been received by the Pentagon, CNN reported Friday.
The request arrived late Wednesday and was still under review by Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan Friday afternoon, according to CNN.
The request would authorize about 300 troops such as military lawyers, cooks and drivers to help with migrants entering the U.S. Senior defense officials had recommended approval of the request, though it would counter current DOD policy.
A 2006 policy prohibits military personnel from coming into contact with migrants, according to The Hill.
Earlier this month DOD approved a request from DHS to identify housing for as many as 5,000 unaccompanied migrant children, but not oversee their custody, as ADC has reported.
Over the past year up to 5,900 troops have been deployed to the southern border performing missions including surveillance, aviation support and placement of deterrent wiring between ports of entry. Currently there are 3,000 active duty troops and 2,000 National Guard reserves deployed along the southern border.
Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class TaWanna Starks
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