Border Security

Mattis called the deployment legal and justified, and said it was necessary to make sure the U border was properly secure.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis plans to visit U.S. troops stationed on the southwest border on Wednesday.

The 5,000 troops stationed along the U.S.-Mexico border will not receive compensation for working in a dangerous environment.

Dunford spoke out against several retired generals who have criticized the deployment of active-duty troops to the border.

The official said there are about 2,600 troops now at staging bases, largely in Texas.

His comments raise questions about rules of engagement for the troops being sent to operate along the U.S. border.

Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will take part in Operation Faithful Patriot.

The commander in chief said Wednesday that as many as 15,000 troops could be headed to the U.S.-Mexico border.

About 1,000 of the 5,200 troops going to the border are in place and more are preparing to go.

Thousands more troops have been put on standby to join the 5,200 active-duty troops already being sent to the border.