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In addition to all DOD and other federal assets currently in place for border enforcement, it was recently announced that Mexico agreed to cooperate with enforcement operations from that country’s side of the border.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
By Matthew Olay
Photos: Courtesy
A senior Defense Department Official today said that full control of the southern border is the goal of all of the intergovernmental agencies working to enforce border security.
When talking to the media the official was asked what mission accomplishment looks like.
“Mission accomplishment means 100% operational control of the border,” he said.
“Right now, that means a surge of manpower … We’ve seen thousands of active-duty and National Guard troops come to the border with additional assets and systems that allow us to surveil,” he continued.
The Defense Department announced Jan. 22, 2025, that it would be sending 1,500 active-duty service members to the border along with additional air and intelligence assets to assist other federal agencies and branches of service that are working to enforce border security.
In addition to all DOD and other federal assets currently in place for border enforcement, a senior Defense Department official highlighted the recent announcement that Mexico agreed to cooperate with enforcement operations from that country’s side of the border.
“We now have 10,000 Mexican troops that are going to be patrolling on the other side of the border. So, there’s cooperation with Mexico, as well,” he said.
When asked about the housing of migrants or deportees on military bases, the DOD has numerous options available.
“Any assets necessary at the Defense Department to support the expulsion and detention of those in our country illegally [are] on the table, to include — as has been widely reported — Guantanamo Bay,” said a senior Defense Department official.
On Jan. 29, 2025, it was affirmed that DOD intends to house up to 30,000 criminal migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, following the president’s announcement that he would sign an executive order directing DOD to do so.
Commenting on the day-to-day activities of the U.S. troops currently operating on the border, a senior Defense Department official explained that state-based service members have the authority to assist with actual enforcement procedures. In contrast, the federal troops are able to relieve U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents from their observational duties so that those agents can then perform apprehensions.
“I just talked with a bunch of great [enlisted service members] who are doing their duty. They’re calling in observation to [U.S. Customs and Border Protection], who then interdict,” the official said, adding that the process has greatly increased the speed of apprehensions.
“The ability to control every portion of the border — underneath, above ground, [by air] and by sea is something we take very seriously, and we will ensure [that happens] as rapidly as possible,” he added.
“Whatever is required from [the Department of Homeland Security] … from the border czar [Tom Homan] and others will be provided by the Defense Department. Because our mission is clear: 100% operational control … and we’re proud to do it,” he said.
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The meeting with the media concluded by praising the military organizations participating in the federal border enforcement operation.
“I want to give a shout-out to the commanders in the field who have executed rapidly and with maximum professionalism … across the spectrum,” the senior Defense Department official said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the warriors we have in the Defense Department and their commitment to this mission.”
