Trump deploys 1,500 troops to border in immigration crackdown 

US President Donald Trump has directed U.S. government agencies to "immediately repel, repatriate, and remove" undocumented immigrants, intensifying efforts to address what he has repeatedly described as an "invasion" at the southern border.

The directive comes alongside the deployment of 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border and the expansion of expedited deportation procedures aimed at streamlining the removal of undocumented migrants.

In a move likely to spark global criticism, the administration also announced the suspension of all refugee travel and processing, leaving thousands in limbo as they await entry into the United States.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s firm stance, stating that the president is "sending a very strong message" with these measures. An executive action published on the White House website justified the new policies as necessary to prevent undocumented immigrants from "invading" American communities and imposing "billions of dollars of costs" on state and local governments.

Speaking to reporters after Trump signed the order, Leavitt reiterated that border security remains a top priority for the president.

"If you are thinking about breaking the laws of the United States of America, you will be returned home," Leavitt declared. "You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted."

The addition of 1,500 troops to border operations underscores the administration’s determination to enforce stricter immigration controls, marking the latest escalation in Trump’s hardline immigration agenda.

The BBC contributed to this article.