Surge in Military Presence at U.S.-Mexico Border: Gen. Brown Assesses Wall Fortification
General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, embarked on a mission to the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday to gauge the progress of military efforts in bolstering sections of the border wall. This inspection comes amidst a significant increase in troop deployment and the fortification of the barrier.
Military Deployment to the Border
Following the inauguration of former President Donald Trump in 2017, the Defense Department dispatched 1,500 active-duty troops to the border. This deployment was followed by additional reinforcements earlier this month.
As of today, there are approximately 9,200 U.S. troops stationed along the border, with 4,200 deployed under federal orders and 5,000 belonging to the National Guard.
Wall Fortifications and Crackdown on Criminal Organizations
The military’s presence has been integral to Trump’s efforts to strengthen the border, particularly in conjunction with the construction of the border wall. General Brown’s assessment will provide an update on the progress and effectiveness of these fortifications.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has taken additional steps to suppress criminal activities operating in the region. On Wednesday, the State Department declared eight gangs and cartels, including Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation enables the U.S. government to intensify its crackdown on these groups.
Cooperative Efforts with Mexico
To enhance coordination along the border, U.S. NORTHCOM Commander General Gregory M. Guillot and Mexican Secretary of National Defense General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo signed a mutual agreement on cooperative activities. This agreement emphasizes increased information sharing, improved communication, and respect for each nation’s sovereignty.
Aggressive Measures to Enforce Immigration Laws
The troop deployments and border wall fortifications are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws. Earlier this month, the administration initiated flights to transport undocumented immigrants to the Guantánamo Bay detention facility in Cuba.
The administration’s objective is to house approximately 30,000 "criminal illegal aliens" at Guantánamo Bay, which previously held hundreds of prisoners, with only 15 remaining before the influx of migrants.
Conclusion
General Brown’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border underscores the ongoing military involvement in securing the boundary and deterring illegal immigration. The deployment of troops, construction of the wall, and designation of criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations are all part of a comprehensive approach to address border security concerns.
