Top US official to assess progress along the border with Mexico
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. CQ Brown is currently conducting a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border to evaluate the progress made by the military in fortifying sections of the wall, as reported by the Associated Press on Friday.
The Defense Department initially deployed 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Recently, additional servicemembers were sent to the border to further enhance security measures.
As of now, there are approximately 9,200 U.S. troops stationed along the border, with 4,200 deployed under federal orders and the remaining 5,000 being National Guard troops, according to the Associated Press.
In a significant move, the Trump administration declared eight gangs and cartels, including Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation expands the U.S. government’s authority to combat criminal organizations operating within its borders.
A mutual agreement on cooperative activities was signed by U.S. NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gregory M. Guillot and Mexican Secretary of National Defense Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo to strengthen coordination along the border. The agreement emphasizes increased information sharing, improved communication methods, and mutual respect for each country’s sovereignty.
The ongoing troop deployments and fortification of the wall are part of President Trump’s efforts to secure the southern border and curb illegal immigration. These measures aim to address national security concerns and safeguard the integrity of U.S. borders.
In a recent development, the Trump administration initiated the transfer of illegal immigrants to the Guantánamo Bay detention facilities in Cuba. This move is part of a strategy to detain around 30,000 “criminal illegal aliens” at the base, which previously housed a small number of prisoners. Legal experts anticipate potential challenges regarding the detention of migrants at Guantánamo Bay.
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Author Bio: Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer contributing to Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
