Lawmakers ask that troops come home from U.S./Mexico border

Two Democratic senators are asking Secretary James Mattis for U.S. Military Members who are currently stationed at the Mexico border, to come home.

In a letter to the United States Secretary of Defense, Sens. Patty Murray and Brian Schatz asked that they, “return these service members to their home stations so they can be with their families for the Thanksgiving holiday.”

Hundreds of troops from Fort Carson and airmen from Peterson Air Force Base were sent to various spots along the border in anticipation of thousands of migrants caravanning north from Central America.

An article from militarytimes.com says they were expected to help with fencing and logistics. Legally, U.S. military members can’t do anything about migrants coming across the border. They can only act in self-defense.

Earlier this week, CNN reported that U.S. officials said President Trump might be giving more authority to the troops that are on the ground if the crossing becomes legal.

Previously, the president was trying to prevent giving asylum to the thousands attempting to cross, but overnight on Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that he cannot stop the immigrants from crossing and seeking asylum.

Three thousand migrants have already reached the border in Tijuana, and thousands more are expected to follow over the next few weeks.

There are more than 5,000 U.S. military members currently stationed along the U.S./Mexico border.