On February 4, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to deploy thousands of active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to address migrant crossings. This initiative aligns with President Trump’s priority of achieving full operational control over the southern border.
- Defense Secretary vows to use active-duty troops
- Hegseth and Homan tour El Paso border
- Goal: 100% operational control of southern border
- Troops motivated to defend communities from invasion
- 1,600 Marines and soldiers deployed recently
During a visit to El Paso, Texas, Hegseth emphasized the importance of military support in securing the border and outlined strategies for implementing effective policies and procedures.
The recent announcement comes as approximately 1,600 Marines and Army soldiers have been sent to California and Texas in response to increasing migration challenges. These forces are joining an existing contingent of around 2,500 Army personnel already stationed at the border.
Hegseth stated that the goal is “100 percent operational control” over the southern border. He highlighted that this requires not only military presence but also appropriate policy frameworks and procedural guidelines. The involvement of troops is intended to bolster local law enforcement efforts in managing migrant flows effectively.
- 1,600 additional troops deployed recently.
- Total of approximately 3,100 active-duty personnel at the border.
- Focus on building barriers and supporting law enforcement operations.
The defense secretary noted that soldiers are motivated by a sense of duty to protect their communities from what he described as an “invasion” whose intentions remain uncertain. This framing underscores the administration’s approach toward immigration issues as they continue to evolve amidst ongoing debates about national security and humanitarian concerns.
This commitment by Defense Secretary Hegseth reflects a significant escalation in military involvement at the southern border as part of ongoing efforts to manage migration effectively while addressing national security concerns raised by President Trump’s administration.
