The deployment of US troops to the southern border has ignited a heated debate, with Democrats expressing concerns about the impact on military readiness and the potential for constitutional overreach. Army secretary nominee Daniel Driscoll defended the deployment during his confirmation hearing, emphasizing border security as a component of national security and highlighting the military's history of managing diverse responsibilities. He assured the committee that the Army would carry out the mission if deemed important by the commander-in-chief.

Senator Jack Reed questioned the potential cost to military readiness, while Senator Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA agent, raised concerns about the legality of active-duty military performing law enforcement roles. She warned of the risk of incidents arising from inadequate training, which could negatively impact public perception of the armed forces. Slotkin pressed Driscoll on whether he would comply with an order that violated the Constitution, to which he responded that he would always adhere to the law while dismissing the premise of such an order being given.

Slotkin challenged Driscoll's dismissal, citing a historical precedent of the 82nd Airborne being deployed to manage a peaceful protest in Washington, D.C. She stressed the importance of maintaining a non-politicized military untrained in law enforcement functions. Driscoll reiterated his commitment to upholding the law.

U.S. soldiers patrol the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, on Jan. 24, 2025.  (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

Daniel Driscoll, President Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of the Army, said: "I think border security is national security."  (The Associated Press)

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., a former CIA agent, said she was concerned that without proper training an incident could occur that would turn public opinion against the nation’s armed forces.  (Reuters)

Upon assuming office, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, leading to the deployment of 1,500 active-duty troops, supplementing the 2,500 service members already stationed there. These troops, deployed under Title 10 authorities during the Biden administration, are expected to remain until the end of fiscal year 2025. Pete Hegseth hinted at potential further deployments, while Trump's executive order classifying Latin American drug cartels as terrorist organizations has expanded the military's authority to intervene.