President Trump made major moves to strengthen the southern border security by deploying over 10,000 U.S. military troops. His swift action came through multiple executive orders aimed at protecting the nation’s borders.
The orders instructed the Department of Defense to work closely with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) to prevent illegal activities like unlawful migration, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling.
In no time, 1,500 troops were already stationed at the border, adding to the 2,500 reservists who were already present. By March 1st, a Stryker brigade combat team and a support aviation battalion were on the ground, boosting the Title 10 forces to around 9,000.
These units came armed with Stryker vehicles, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, ready to assist Customs and Border Protection agents.
The impact was almost immediate. Illegal border crossings saw a dramatic 90 percent drop, marking February as a record low in U.S. history, according to The Center Square. In an effort to bolster these results, a missile destroyer was also dispatched to aid USNORTHCOM’s mission in both U.S. and international waters. This step was part of a broader strategy to enhance national security.
Additional troops from different states were also sent to support these border security efforts. March 15th saw the departure of the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, to bolster maritime security and support interagency operations.
USNORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot emphasized the importance of this deployment for maintaining the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Gravely’s mission is to assist in maritime-related security tasks, including combating terrorism, stopping the spread of weapons, and intercepting illegal immigrants and criminals at sea.
Onboard, a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment will execute various interdiction tasks. This deployment is part of a coordinated response to President Trump’s Executive Order.
March 17th brought news of another wave of deployments. US Northern Command approved an additional 400 service members to head to the border. This batch included engineers from Fort Drum, New York, who specialize in combat engineering and logistical support.
The deployment also consisted of aviation support units from Georgia, equipped with intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
Troops from Maryland will manage medical logistics, ensuring that all deployed personnel have the resources they need. USNORTHCOM emphasized the importance of these additional forces in maintaining border security.
The total number of troops stationed at the southwest border has now exceeded 10,000. This comprehensive effort shows the administration’s dedication to securing the nation’s borders. With these measures in place, the focus is on maintaining safety and order.
These moves reflect a strong commitment to national security, a priority for many Americans. The deployments demonstrate a proactive approach to tackling border-related challenges.
As these efforts continue, the administration remains focused on protecting the United States from various threats.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.
