The Pentagon is poised to dispatch an additional 3,000 active-duty service members to the U.S.-Mexico border. This latest move underscores President Trump’s commitment to enhancing border security and tackling the complex issues of illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Under the guidance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, troops are expected to be deployed in the upcoming weeks, aiming to strengthen current operations along the 2,000-mile border. Hegseth made it clear in discussions with Mexican officials that the U.S. would not hesitate to take “unilateral action” against drug cartels if Mexico fails to address increasing issues related to fentanyl distribution and unauthorized crossings.
During a late-January phone call, Hegseth emphasized safeguarding American citizens and ensuring the integrity of the southern border. He said encouragingly to Mexican counterparts that Mexico’s military must intensify efforts against cartel activities that pose threats to the United States. Reports from that conversation indicate that Mexican officials were left “shocked and angered” by the implications of potential military intervention.
The Secretary has also pointed to the need for Mexicans to eliminate the growing collusion between governmental authorities and the cartels, calling for more decisive action to mitigate these dangers. Tensions seem to be rising too, as Hegseth has hinted on various platforms that “all options will be on the table” regarding military engagement with the cartels—yet he maintains the ultimate decision rests with the President.
In practical terms, a Stryker brigade combat team and an aviation support battalion are on the way to assist in monitoring, detection, and engineering tasks at the border, according to a confidential Pentagon source. The Stryker vehicles are designed for troop transport and support, although they will not participate in deportation or direct enforcement missions.
With this planned troop increase, there will be a total of over 12,000 troops positioned at the border, which already includes 9,200 personnel from previous deployments. Of these, 4,200 soldiers have been deployed under federal orders, while another 5,000 National Guard troops are present by various state directives.
The urgency of these actions corresponds with President Trump’s earlier threats to impose a significant 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada for their inaction concerning drug trafficking, set to take effect soon. The President’s firm stance reveals his frustration over what he deems an “unacceptable” influx of narcotics pouring into the nation.
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