DOD to keep troops on border through January

The Defense Department intends to keep troops on the southwestern border in support of the Department of Homeland Security through Jan. 31, 2019, according to a statement from the Pentagon.

"Today, DHS submitted a request for assistance to the Department of Defense to extend its support through January 31, 2019," the Pentagon said. "This request refines support to ensure it remains aligned with the current threat, the nature of the mission, and [U.S. Customs and Border Patrol] operational requirements."

The Pentagon recently estimated it would spend $72 million to send 5,900 active-duty troops to the southwestern border through Dec. 15. The extended stay means the total price will now increase.

Meanwhile, 12 Democratic senators, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), have sent a letter to the Pentagon raising concerns about the "the overt politicization of the military and the lack of evidence to justify the deployment of active duty troops to confront the migrant caravan before the midterm elections."

In their letter, the senators demand justification for the mission as well as a final cost estimate.