Active-duty troops begin arriving at US-Mexico border in Texas and California
Military troops have commenced their arrival in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, as a response to President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border. The deployment of 1,500 active-duty troops, including 1,000 U.S. Army personnel and 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton in California, marks a significant increase in active-duty ground forces since President Trump assumed office.
Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses highlighted the importance of this additional support in a statement released on Wednesday. The troops will receive their assignments along the border upon arrival, joining the 2,500 U.S. service members already stationed in the region. These troops were initially ordered to the southern border in May 2023 during the Biden administration, under Title 10 authorities approved by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Their presence is expected to continue until the end of Fiscal Year 2025, as confirmed by a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson.
In parallel to the deployment of active-duty troops, the National Guard is ramping up its support in coordination with USNORTHCOM and U.S. Transportation Command. This includes providing additional personnel, military airlift, barrier construction, and other capabilities to meet the directives of the President and Secretary of Defense. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, emphasized the ongoing efforts to develop additional support options as the mission at the southern border evolves.
Moreover, more than 4,100 Texas National Guard personnel are currently on duty at the border, actively contributing to Operation Lone Star initiatives. The seamless coordination between the National Guard, active-duty troops, and other joint service partners underscores the collective effort to address the immigration crisis and enhance border security.
The deployment of troops to the southern border has necessitated the reassignment of some personnel who were previously involved in supporting the California wildfires. Despite this shift in assignments, the commitment of military forces to safeguarding the border remains unwavering.
The integration of additional troops and resources underscores the administration’s resolve to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and enhance border security measures. The collaborative efforts between active-duty troops, the National Guard, and other key stakeholders exemplify a unified approach to fortifying the southern border and upholding national security interests.
