In response to a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Acting Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan approved Department of Defense assistance to DHS through Sept. 30, 2019.
DOD is transitioning its support at the southwestern border from hardening ports of entry to mobile surveillance and detection, as well as concertina wire emplacement between ports of entry. DOD will continue to provide aviation support.
At least 4,500 active duty and National Guard forces remain at the border amid a squabble between President Trump and house Democrats regarding funding for a border wall.
