Pentagon inspector general to review troop deployments at southern border

An active-duty U.S. Army soldier scans for undocumented immigrants near the U.S.-Mexico border, Sept. 10, Penitas, Texas. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images

The Defense Department's inspector general plans to review how U.S. soldiers are actually used to support security operations at the U.S-Mexico border, according to a memo first reported by NBC News.

Why it matters: The review could answer some questions posed by House Democrats, who are concerned that soldiers deployed to the border could violate laws prohibiting the use of the military in civilian law enforcement.

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What the IG plans to review, per the memo:

• The amount of money used to support U.S. military deployment to the border and whether those funds are in compliance with federal law.
• Military training for contact with civilians at the border and other training given to U.S. soldiers.
• How military personnel coordinate with Homeland Security at the border.

Background: Roughly 5,000 U.S. troops were stationed at the border as of last month, per the Military Times.

Go deeper:

• Active troops monitor detained migrants in Texas
• Apprehensions dwindle at southern border as fewer migrant families seek asylum