WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says the acting defense secretary, Patrick Shanahan, has approved a plan to send about 320 more troops to the U.S.-Mexican border to provide additional support, such as driving Customs and Border Protection vehicles to transport migrants.

The decision announced Monday evening provides approval for a plan the Pentagon disclosed last Friday.

Armed Mexican soldiers confronted US soldiers on US soil
Armed Mexican soldiers confronted US soldiers on US soil

Two U.S. soldiers in a remote area of Texas were confronted by Mexican soldiers who thought the Americans had crossed into Mexico, U.S. officials said Tuesday. The Mexican troops reportedly removed a weapon from the American soldier who was armed.

By: The Associated Press

The Pentagon says the extra troop support will cost about $7.4 million through Sept. 30.

The decision allows the newly deployed troops to have contact with migrants when necessary to perform their tasks. In such cases, there are to be civilian Department of Homeland Security personnel nearby to conduct law enforcement functions.