US deploys second destroyer on border with Mexico to fight against migrants
The destroyer USS Spruance (photo: navy.mil)
US forces have deployed another missile-equipped destroyer to patrol waters near the US-Mexico border. This comes as President Donald Trump intensifies immigration measures, according to CNN.
A press release from US Northern Command states that the USS Spruance destroyer, which departed from the San Diego naval base, will assist in combating maritime terrorism, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal maritime immigration.
"USS Spruance’s deployment as part of U.S. Northern Command’s southern border mission brings additional capability and expands the geography of unique military capabilities working with the Department of Homeland Security," said General Gregory Guio, commander of Northern Command.
CNN notes that this event follows the deployment of a Navy destroyer to areas near the southern border the previous week. It also represents an escalation. Currently, there are already thousands of active-duty service members stationed at the US border, primarily carrying out logistical and bureaucratic tasks.
Impact of migrants on the US economy
One of Donald Trump’s campaign promises was the deportation of illegal immigrants.
At the end of January, Bloomberg reported that estimates show there are about 11 million illegal immigrants in the US. If Trump succeeds in deporting them all, the US economy could shrink by 8% of its GDP.
