While debate rages about the caravans of migrants coming from Central America and the response by President Trump’s administration, what’s been lost is that Trump has several additional options available for even more aggressive action to combat illegal immigration.

Starting with the highest profile move of all, Trump can move troops to the border. Thus far, the members of the military deployed to the border have played a supporting role to the Border Patrol by carrying out logistical tasks such as laying additional barbed wire and ferrying Border Patrol agents via military aircraft. However, the president could continue adding troops to the border and turn border security entirely over to the military. Defense of the nation’s borders is a matter of national security, not law enforcement. The Posse Comitatus Act (a federal statute prohibiting the use of military in civilian law enforcement) would not be triggered.