Trump Administration Reinforces Border Security, Targets Cartel Operations

As part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing commitment to securing the nation’s southern border, the US military is bolstering its presence and enhancing intelligence efforts to combat drug cartels and illegal immigration, Al Jazeera reports.

General Gregory Guillot, Commander of US Northern Command, informed lawmakers on Thursday that some 5,000 active-duty soldiers are currently stationed along the border with Mexico. Guillot indicated this number could potentially increase as the administration continues to prioritize border security.

A key component of this strategy is the intensified focus on disrupting cartel operations, which the administration views as a major factor driving illegal migration.

“We have also increased some uniquely military capabilities that will get after … the cartels, which are driving the illegal migration,” said Guillot. “That is primarily through airborne ISR to get more information on those and figure out how we can counter their actions.”

This includes heightened cross-border intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities.

These actions fulfill a key campaign pledge made by President Trump to address border security concerns. On his first day in office, the President signed an executive order directing military leaders to deploy the necessary resources to achieve “complete operational control” of the border region. This also included calls to ease restrictions on the use of unmanned aerial systems for border surveillance.

The administration’s approach prioritizes the safety and security of the United States by disrupting criminal organizations and stemming the flow of illegal immigration.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has not expressed alarm over US military surveillance flights occurring over US territory, suggesting an understanding between the two nations regarding border security efforts. While past actions by the Trump administration regarding trade and tariffs to secure cooperation from Mexico and Canada have been met with some controversy, the increased presence of Mexico’s National Guard at the US border points towards collaboration on this issue.