Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is currently conducting a visit to assess the progress of the military's efforts in fortifying sections of the U.S.-Mexico border. This visit comes as the Pentagon is rapidly expanding its border mission in alignment with President Donald Trump's initiatives to combat illegal immigration.
Currently, there are approximately 9,200 U.S. troops stationed at the southern border, with 4,200 deployed under federal orders and an additional 5,000 National Guard troops under the control of governors. The military has conducted 26 deportation flights to return migrants to their home countries, including destinations such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, India, Honduras, Peru, and Panama. Furthermore, 13 flights have been utilized to transport migrants to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
U.S. Northern Command has increased manned surveillance flights along the U.S.-Mexico border to monitor drug cartels and the movement of fentanyl, while also enhancing intelligence sharing with Mexico. Additionally, unmanned U.S. drones are conducting surveillance over Mexican airspace, as confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
President Trump recently designated several gangs and cartels involved in drug trafficking as foreign terrorist organizations, intensifying efforts to impede their operations. The military is seeking expanded authority from Congress to conduct more collaborative operations with Mexican special forces units.
Securing the southern border remains a top priority for the Trump administration, with activities at the border exempted from a recent directive ordering $50 billion in program cuts by October. Mexico has agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to the border to deter potential tariffs.
An agreement between the U.S. and Mexico has been reached to conduct coordinated patrols, enhance information sharing, and establish immediate communication lines between the two militaries. While the full cost of operations is not yet tallied, deportation flights alone are estimated to cost the government approximately $28,000 per hour.
