President Trump has given US troops on the border new rules when it comes to protecting border personnel.
Troops will now be able to protect Customs and Border Protection personnel from migrants if they engage in violence, according to the Pentagon. Before Trump signed the memorandum, troops were not allowed to intervene if CBP came under attack, unless they needed to act in their own self-defense.
Officials say the new rules will be aimed at providing the basic authorities to allow for protection.
There are currently about 5,800 troops stationed at the Southwest border.
Documents obtained by the Associated Press says the border mission will cost an estimated $210 million under current plans. The total would grow beyond the current combined estimate of $210 million if the active-duty mission is extended beyond the current completion date of Dec. 15.
Officials said an extension appeared likely but had not yet been agreed upon.
On Tuesday, Trump said he was sure the troops are happy to be on the border mission, even though it means being away from home over Thanksgiving.
