Military Stryker vehicles deter migrants at US-Mexico border

The U.S. Border Patrol has deployed eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles known as Strykers to the border for the first time in over a decade. These vehicles are part of the Pentagon’s support of Customs and Border Protection in their efforts to secure the border.

Fox News had the exclusive opportunity to get a first look at these Strykers and see how they are being utilized. Two of these vehicles are currently stationed in the El Paso sector, with plans to deploy more to other border areas in the coming weeks. One of the Strykers is strategically positioned to provide surveillance over Juárez, Mexico, a notorious smuggling corridor.

While Strykers are typically equipped with cannons or machine guns for combat, the ones deployed to the border are not weaponized. They are being used solely for surveillance and detection purposes. These vehicles have infrared capabilities that allow them to see up to two miles out, helping Border Patrol agents detect illegal migrants that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The Strykers are also serving as a deterrent to would-be illegal border crossers. Border Patrol agents reported a significant decrease in encounters in the El Paso sector since the deployment of these vehicles. The goal is to maintain these lower numbers and ensure that cartels and gangs are deterred from attempting to smuggle migrants across the border.

Despite the decrease in border encounters, Border Patrol agents are determined to prevent any resurgence in illegal crossings. The presence of the Strykers sends a strong message to cartels and criminal organizations that attempting to cross the border illegally will not go undetected.

Overall, the deployment of Strykers to the border is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance border security and protect U.S. sovereignty. The use of these vehicles is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the border and preventing illegal immigration.