Pentagon says border deployment has cost $72 million

The Pentagon has spent about $72 million to send 5,900 active-duty troops to the southwestern border, but the total price tag for the operation could still grow, according to a Defense Department spokesman.

“Based on the current phased force laydown of approximately 5,900 Active Component personnel through Dec. 15, 2018, the estimated cost to deploy, operate, sustain, and redeploy forces is approximately $72 million,” Pentagon spokesman Col. Rob Manning said in a statement. “This estimate includes only those DOD forces and support requested and approved as of 19 November 2018.”

Manning said the total cost will depend on the “size, duration and scope” of DOD's support to the Department of Homeland Security.

The statement came one day after Manning said the department would not provide a cost estimate for the operation until it was complete.

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.