Briana KoenemanThe Defense Department has agreed to send roughly 320 more U.S. troops to the southern border.
According to several reports out Monday, acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan approved a request from the Department of Homeland Security for additional support at the U.S.-Mexico border.
A Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement the personnel will help transport migrants, provide administrative support like meal distribution, and give attorney support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But they won't perform any law enforcement functions.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said he was "going to have to call up more military" to address the high number of migrants trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
Currently, there are about 5,000 active-duty U.S. troops and National Guard units stationed at the border.
The additional troops will stay at the border through Sept. 30, and it will cost an estimated $7.4 million.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
