US troops increased border patrols in El Paso as part of President Donald Trump's broader effort to crack down on crime and illegal immigration.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, were actively patrolling the Texas National Defence Area near the southern border.

Authorities confirmed the operation took place on May 16 as part of a wider mission to monitor activity and deter unlawful entry.

Trump, known for his hardline nationalist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, has promised a sweeping crackdown on undocumented and illegal immigrants in the country.

On his first day of office, he declared a 'national emergency' at the southern border with Mexico.

He has also issued a memo telling the U.S. Agency for International Development to adopt an 'America First' policy, threatening sanctions on staff who refuse to obey.

Dozens of deportation flights have also taken off, sending illegals back to their homeland in handcuffs.

In contrast to the bid to oust illegals, Trump is vying to replace them with millionaires who will buy 5 million USD' gold cards' to gain residency and citizenship.