The Trump administration has mobilized over 10,000 military troops to secure the U.S. southwest border within three months of office. This unprecedented deployment, backed by executive orders targeting illegal immigration and drug trafficking, has yielded dramatic results. Illegal border crossings plummeted by an astonishing 90 percent within weeks, with February recording the lowest number in U.S. history. The comprehensive military operation combines ground forces with high-tech equipment and even maritime assets to create a multi-layered defense of America’s southern frontier.
Rapid Military Response to Border Crisis
Following presidential executive orders to address border security threats, the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) swiftly deployed military personnel. Within 36 hours of receiving orders, an initial force of 1,500 troops arrived at the border. The deployment quickly expanded to 4,000 soldiers, including 2,500 reservists, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to immediate action. By March 1, military presence increased significantly with the addition of a 4,400-soldier Stryker brigade combat team and a 650-troop general support aviation battalion, bringing the Title 10 forces to approximately 9,000 personnel.
It's coming soon! They are on the their way. I salute all of our troops!
Who supports sending our 1,500 troops to secure our southern border, which could range all the way up to 10,000 troops?
l do 💯%!
Go home!
Make America Great Again
Make America Safe Again
MAGA pic.twitter.com/D4yzGE5QJe— 👉M-Û-R-Č-H👈 (@TheEXECUTlONER_) January 23, 2025
These forces were tasked with a clear mission from the Department of Defense directive to “seal the borders and maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States by repelling forms of invasion including unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, and other criminal activities.” The military deployment represents one of the most significant domestic border security operations in recent memory, highlighting the administration’s prioritization of national security and territorial sovereignty.
Advanced Equipment and Tactical Capabilities
The border security operation is bolstered by significant military hardware and specialized equipment. Troops arrived with Stryker armored vehicles, providing mobile protection and surveillance capabilities essential for border patrol operations. The deployment also includes Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters that offer critical aerial support, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. This equipment enables forces to effectively monitor and respond to illegal border crossing attempts across challenging terrain that has historically been difficult to patrol.
BREAKING: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just said ,”We are dead serious about 100% OPERATIONAL CONTROL of the southern border”
Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been deployed to Help Secure our Southern Border per DOD
For reference, security at the Tijuana, Mexico Border: pic.twitter.com/spF2YlqmPi
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) March 1, 2025
Additional specialized units from multiple states bring enhanced capabilities to the mission. Troops from Georgia provide aviation support and operate unmanned aircraft systems for intelligence gathering and surveillance operations. Engineering units install physical barriers at vulnerable points along the border, while Maryland troops manage deployed medical logistics. These combined capabilities create a comprehensive border security system that amplifies the effectiveness of existing CBP personnel and resources.
Expanding to Maritime Operations
The border security initiative extends beyond land operations, including maritime deployments aimed at intercepting illegal entries by sea. In a significant mission expansion, the USS Gravely, a missile destroyer, was deployed to support USNORTHCOM’s southern border security efforts in both U.S. and international waters. The vessel carries a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) trained explicitly for maritime interdiction operations, allowing immediate law enforcement action when illegal activities are detected at sea.
USNORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot explained the importance of the maritime component, stating that the USS Gravely’s mission is part of “DOD’s coordinated effort in response to the Presidential Executive Order. Gravely’s sea-going capacity improves our ability to protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security.” This coordinated land-sea approach closes potential security gaps and demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to address all possible routes for illegal entry into the United States.
Immediate and Measurable Results
The deployment has produced rapid and quantifiable security improvements at the southern border. Within one month of the administration’s office, illegal border crossings dropped by 90 percent compared to previous levels. February border crossing statistics reached historic lows, registering as the lowest in recorded U.S. history. These dramatic reductions demonstrate the effectiveness of the military presence combined with clear enforcement policies in deterring illegal entry attempts.
Beyond numerical reductions in crossings, the operation has enhanced interagency collaboration between military personnel and CBP officers. Military troops have been deputized to perform immigration functions alongside CBP, multiplying the workforce available for processing and enforcement activities. The combined military and law enforcement presence has established a visible security posture that communicates the administration’s serious commitment to enforcing border laws and protecting national sovereignty.