Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has approved a Department of Homeland Security request to send more troops to the southern border.
The U.S. Department of Defense said in a press release Friday it will provide "mission-enhancing capabilities" to the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Those troops are in addition to the National Guard members who've been helping U.S. Customs and Border Protection since the spring.
The extra manpower will lend a hand with things like building barricades and fences, as well as provide medical teams and temporary housing for Customs personnel.
It's not yet known how many additional troops will be sent to the border or if they will be National Guard members or other active duty military. The additional forces would come ahead of the migrant caravan that's heading toward the U.S. from Honduras.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
