Joint Chiefs Chairman Visits U.S.-Mexico Border Amid Military Buildup/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the U.S.-Mexico border Friday to review the Pentagon’s rapidly expanding military operations aimed at curbing illegal immigration. With over 9,200 troops deployed, the military has increased deportation flights and surveillance, while coordinating with Mexico’s forces. Trump’s administration prioritizes border security amid rising operational costs.
U.S.-Mexico Border Military Buildup Quick Looks:
- Gen. CQ Brown visits U.S.-Mexico border to assess troop deployment and security progress.
- 9,200 troops now stationed at the border, including 5,000 National Guard members.
- Military has conducted 26 deportation flights and prepped Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention.
- U.S. and Mexico agreed to coordinated patrols and enhanced intelligence sharing.
- Trump administration designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- $28,000/hour cost for deportation flights; India-bound flight cost over $2.5 million.
- U.S. Northern Command boosts surveillance flights targeting drug trafficking and fentanyl routes.
- Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to its side of the border.
- Border security operations exempted from Trump’s $50 billion Pentagon budget cuts.
- Gen. Brown’s visit underscores heightened military role in immigration enforcement.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Visits U.S.-Mexico Border Amid Military Buildup
Deep Look:
Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the U.S.-Mexico border Friday to evaluate the Pentagon’s swift military buildup aimed at combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking. This visit highlights the Trump administration’s intensified focus on border security, which has seen over 9,200 troops deployed in recent weeks.
Among those stationed at the southern border are 4,200 active-duty troops under federal orders and approximately 5,000 National Guard members controlled by state governors. Their mission includes fortifying sections of the border wall, conducting surveillance, and supporting law enforcement in deterring migrant crossings.
Expanded Military Operations:
In the past month, the U.S. military has ramped up deportation efforts, carrying out 26 flights to countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, India, Honduras, Peru, and Panama. Notably, a deportation flight to India carrying 104 migrants cost the U.S. government more than $2.5 million, reflecting the $28,000 per hour operating cost for such missions.
The Pentagon has also activated facilities at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, preparing to house up to 30,000 migrants if border crossings surge further. Alongside manned surveillance flights, U.S. Northern Command has increased drone operations over Mexican airspace, targeting fentanyl trafficking and cartel movements.
Bilateral Cooperation and Policy Moves:
In response to mounting pressure from Washington, Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to its border regions, agreeing to coordinated patrols with U.S. forces and enhanced intelligence sharing. The new accord emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty while establishing real-time communication channels between military units.
“This partnership strengthens border security while honoring both nations’ sovereignty,” said Joseph Kasper, chief of staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, echoing Trump’s hardline stance, declared, “We’ve defended other nations’ borders for too long. It’s time to defend ours.”
In a further escalation, President Donald Trump designated key drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling U.S. authorities to use expanded legal tools to disrupt their operations. The move comes as fentanyl continues to ravage American communities, with cartels exploiting border vulnerabilities.
Cost and Operational Priorities:
While the full cost of the military buildup remains unclear, border operations have been exempted from Trump’s directive ordering $50 billion in Pentagon cuts. Analysts note that deportation flights and surveillance efforts constitute the largest expenses in the current operation.
Looking Ahead:
Gen. Brown’s assessment visit signals that the border mission will remain a top national security priority as the U.S. balances immigration enforcement with diplomatic cooperation. With heightened surveillance, expanded deportation capabilities, and joint patrols underway, officials aim to deter illegal crossings while addressing humanitarian concerns.
“Securing the border is essential,” said Brown. “But we must also ensure that our operations are effective, lawful, and respect human dignity.”
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