Hegseth declares ‘new era’ under Trump in visit to southern border in Texas

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a significant visit to the southern border on Monday, where he declared a “new era of determination” as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to secure the border and combat illegal immigration.

During a press conference in El Paso, Texas, following his border tour, Hegseth highlighted the administration’s shift in focus towards prioritizing U.S. sovereignty over foreign territories. He emphasized the importance of securing the nation’s borders, stating that it was time for the U.S. to protect its own borders after decades of guarding borders in foreign lands.

President Trump had deployed over 1,500 troops to the border on his first day in office, supplementing existing forces. This surge in military presence has coincided with a noticeable decrease in encounters at the southern border. Hegseth commended the dedication of the men and women serving at the border, noting their motivation to defend their communities and loved ones from the unknown intentions of potential invaders.

Hegseth’s visit to the southern border is part of a series of migration-focused trips undertaken by Trump Cabinet officials. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited the southern border in Del Rio, Texas, where she expressed support for Border Patrol agents and affirmed the administration’s commitment to ending open borders policies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has prioritized migration issues since assuming office, embarked on his first overseas trip to Latin America. His itinerary includes visits to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, with a focus on addressing migration, drug trafficking, and gang violence.

Hegseth was joined by border czar Tom Homan during his visit, who hailed the collaborative efforts involving the military and various government agencies in enhancing border security and deportation operations as a “game changer.” Homan expressed confidence in achieving operational control of the southern border under President Trump’s leadership.

Overall, the administration’s unwavering commitment to border security and immigration enforcement was underscored during Hegseth’s visit, signaling a renewed determination to safeguard the nation’s borders and protect its citizens.