Border troops may up ante

Washington – The White House is likely to grant US troops on the border with Mexico additional authority to protect customs and border personnel if needed, a US official said on Monday.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said details were still being worked on.

There are about 5 900 active-duty troops on the border with Mexico. Currently troops do not have the authority to protect border officials.

Reinforcements were sent by US President Donald Trump to bolster the border ahead of the expected arrival of caravans of Central American migrants.

In a statement, the department of homeland security (DHS) did not comment on whether authority given to the troops would change but said it would not allow its personnel to be in harm’s way.

DHS spokesperson Katie Waldman said: “We will do everything we can to protect those who defend our nation’s sovereignty and secure our border.”

The news was first reported by CNN.

About 6 000 Central Americans have reached border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, according to local officials. More are making their way towards Tijuana, with about 10 000 expected.