Donald Trump is to send 10,000 troops to the US’s southern border to help repel an “invasion” of migrants attempting to cross from Mexico, according to a report.

The troops will assist immigration officers under new orders to seal the border and close off access to asylum, a US Customs and Border Protection (CPS) guidance document obtained by The Washington Post read.

The document was delivered to senior border officials on Tuesday as the new administration launches a “light speed” immigration crackdown it says will include finishing the construction of a southern border wall and deporting all 11 million people estimated to be living illegally in the United States.

A national emergency was declared on Monday instructing the Pentagon to send soldiers and drones to the US-Mexico border to help stop criminals and “unvetted military-age males” from entering America.

The Department of Defense said on Wednesday it would send an initial wave of 1,500 troops to the border by Friday, bolstering about 2,500 troops already there.

Helicopters and intelligence analysts will also be sent to help detect migrants as they attempt to cross the border illegally, the department added.

“This is just the beginning,” said Robert Salesses, who is serving as acting defence secretary until Pete Hegseth, Mr Trump’s initial pick for the role, is confirmed by the Senate.

“President Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nation’s borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership,” Mr Salesses added.