Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, is embarking on his inaugural journey to the southern border to underscore the military's assistance to U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations.
Focus on Military Support
The announcement was made from Fort Bliss, Texas, where Hegseth will engage with troops from the military's Joint Task Force North.
This visit signifies a reinforced commitment to militarizing immigration and border enforcement, aligning with the administration's more assertive approach to border and homeland security, echoing Trump's firm stance.
Enhanced Enforcement Measures
The administration is preparing to initiate deportation flights to the naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and has already utilized military aircraft for deportation flights to Latin America.
Last month, the Trump administration deployed 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, tasked with bolstering security and aiding in the airlift of over 5,000 undocumented migrants from detention centers in San Diego and El Paso.
Supporting Homeland Security
In addition, National Guard troops have been deployed to the border to provide assistance to Homeland Security personnel in managing the influx of migrants entering the U.S.
“Whatever resources are necessary at the border will be supplied,” stated Hegseth last week. “The Defense Department is committed to safeguarding the territorial integrity of the United States' southern border, leveraging reservists, National Guardsmen, and active-duty personnel in accordance with the Constitution, our laws, and the directives of the commander-in-chief.”