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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Deploys More Troops to Southern Border, Promises Full Control

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Deploys More Troops to Southern Border, Promises Full Control

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a high-profile visit to the U.S.-Mexico border this week and marked a pivotal shift in immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. Standing near a towering section of the border wall, Hegseth vowed that the administration’s aggressive strategy would secure “100 percent operational control” over the border. His visit came as the Trump administration ramped up military involvement and deployed thousands of active-duty troops to fortify border security.

The move comes amid a sharp decline in illegal crossings, which is a welcome development in contrast to previous years. Under the Biden administration, illegal migrant encounters surged, peaking at over 250,000 per month in late 2023. In contrast, illegal crossings have dropped dramatically since January, averaging fewer than 50,000 per month. Officials credit Trump’s executive orders, military deployment, and increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations for the decline.

Military Presence Transforms Border Enforcement

Defense Secretary Hegseth, alongside Trump’s border czar Thomas D. Homan, flew over the El Paso sector in Army Black Hawk helicopters before addressing troops and Border Patrol agents. The defense secretary highlighted the administration’s commitment to utilizing active-duty personnel to support border enforcement. More than 4,000 troops are now stationed along the border, with additional deployments expected.

Critics argue that the use of military forces in immigration enforcement tests legal boundaries. The Posse Comitatus Act generally restricts active-duty troops from engaging in domestic law enforcement. However, Trump’s executive order redefines their role, directing them to assist Border Patrol by providing surveillance, logistical support, and infrastructure reinforcement. More importantly, the Defense Secretary has not ruled out invoking the Insurrection Act. This is a rarely used law that permits military involvement in direct enforcement actions.

Why Illegal Crossings Have Plummeted

The dramatic reduction in illegal migration is due to multiple Trump-era initiatives. The administration reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, forcing asylum seekers to wait outside U.S. borders while their claims are processed. ICE has ramped up enforcement in urban centers, increasing arrests in cities known for harboring illegal immigrants. The Defense Department has also committed to providing airlift support for rapid deportation flights, accelerating removals.

Additionally, Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops along the northern border. This move is seen as a direct response to Trump’s 25% tariff threat on Mexican goods. The combination of these policies has significantly deterred illegal crossings and reinforced the administration’s message that unauthorized entry will not be tolerated.

Border Security Over International Engagements

The Trump administration’s foreign policy reflects a clear shift: securing America’s borders takes precedence over overseas military commitments. Hegseth emphasized that “guys and gals of my generation have spent decades in foreign countries guarding other people’s borders. It’s about time we secure our own.” The sentiment underscores the administration’s America-first approach, directing military resources inward rather than abroad.

While some critics question the long-term sustainability of using military forces for border enforcement, supporters argue that prioritizing national security is paramount. The administration insists that sealing the border will remain a top priority, even as tensions rise with foreign adversaries.

How Long Will This Border Strategy Last?

The presence of active-duty troops and the administration’s tough stance have redefined border security. However, questions remain about the longevity of this approach. Will Congress move to codify these measures into law? Will future administrations uphold or dismantle Trump’s policies? For now, the message from the White House is clear: border security is national security. The Trump administration has drawn a firm line, and illegal crossings have plummeted as a result. With the Defense Secretary lending his support to securing the border, maybe this will be the time that the U.S. mainland’s perimeter will finally be secure.

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