Despite dispatching federal police, the Mexican government did not stop the caravan at their southern border, and the group is making its way northward. President Trump has authorized troop deployments, and could send even more, depending on how the situation escalates.

The Honduran migrant caravan making its way towards the Southern U.S. border is one of the biggest political talking points ahead of the midterm elections. The group of migrants, which intend to seek asylum in the U.S., reportedly now has as many as 7,000 members.

President Trump Believes the Caravan Includes Dangerous People

Trump’s belief that the caravan is dangerous, and a real threat, is not unjustified. The caravan forcefully made its way into Mexican territory and has been involved in clashes with Mexican law enforcement and military units.

President Trump tweeted on Thursday saying that “The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people. Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at [Guatemalan] Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable, or unwilling to stop Caravan. Should stop them before they reach our Border, but won’t!” Trump said in a following tweet that the caravan was made up of “bad thugs and gang members”.

Trump has so far authorized the deployment of 5,200 active duty troops to the border, which will help the already stationed National Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other border control personnel. On Wednesday, Trump indicated that he would be willing to send more troops to stop what he considers to be an invading force.

The President told reporters at the White House that “We have about 5,000. We’ll do up to anywhere between 10 and 15,000 military personnel, on top of border patrol, ICE and everybody else at the border.” Trump added that “Nobody’s coming in.”

Troops will be armed and according to the Washington Post, are authorized to use force to protect “all persons, foreign or domestic, who are faced with imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm, and where lesser means have failed or cannot be reasonably employed.”

Issue Will Linger Long After Mid Terms

Immigration issues are prominent today, especially as we approach the midterm elections. However, this is a problem that will continue after November 6. This caravan of migrants (which is not the first), is something that should concern all Americans, and not just those who are close to the border states.