Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth embarked on his inaugural journey to the southern border, emphasizing military assistance for U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations.
Meeting Troops at Fort Bliss
The announcement was made from Fort Bliss, Texas, where Hegseth convened with troops from the military’s Joint Task Force North.
Administration’s Stance on Border Security
This visit underscores the administration’s reinforcement of immigration and border enforcement, aligning with a more robust approach to border and homeland security, consistent with the previous administration’s policies.
Militarization and Deportation Initiatives
The administration is considering deportation flights to the naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and has already utilized military aircraft for deportation flights to Latin America.
Last month, 1,500 active-duty troops were deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border, assisting in security measures and facilitating the airlift of over 5,000 undocumented migrants from detention centers in San Diego and El Paso.
Additional Troop Deployment
In addition to active-duty troops, National Guard personnel have been dispatched to the border to support Homeland Security in managing the influx of migrants entering the country.
Defense Secretary Hegseth affirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the southern border, stating, “The Defense Department stands ready to defend the territorial integrity of the United States, utilizing reservists, National Guardsmen, and active-duty personnel in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the land, under the directives of the commander-in-chief.”
