Trump putting troops on border a ‘force multiplier,’ San Diego sector chief says
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The presence of U.S. military personnel sent by President Donald Trump to the southern border has had a significant impact on reducing illegal crossing attempts, according to a veteran border agent interviewed by Fox News Digital.
“It’s a force multiplier,” said San Diego Sector acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker in an exclusive interview. “It assists us in accomplishing our mission.”
In recent weeks, hundreds of service members from the Army, Marines, and Navy have been deployed to the San Diego border sector, one of the busiest crossing areas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The deployments, ordered shortly after President Trump took office, have contributed to a sharp decline in illegal crossings. In February, the number of southern border apprehensions hit a two-decade low, with just 30,000 encounters recorded by CBP compared to over 130,000 in 2023 and 2024.
Stalnaker credited the military forces for this success, emphasizing that their support goes beyond physical barriers like walls and concertina wire. The troops have also helped improve access for Border Patrol agents, allowing for quicker responses to law enforcement events.
The Marines, part of Task Force Sapper, have reinforced existing border barriers with additional protection, including razor wire strategically placed to impede crossings. The Army engineers from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, have assisted with surveillance and detection, serving as the eyes and ears of CBP agents.
On Otay Mountain, Army soldiers operate a CBP surveillance station that can detect potential crossings for miles. This collaboration has enhanced CBP’s efficiency and allowed agents to focus on apprehensions while the military handles surveillance tasks.
The teamwork between CBP and the military has been crucial in securing the border. Stalnaker expressed appreciation for their partnership, describing them as “a great partner” in their efforts to maintain border security.
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