The Pentagon has announced the deployment of up to 3,000 active-duty troops to the southern border, reinforcing ongoing efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico boundary. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the deployment on Friday, signaling a renewed push to strengthen border control under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The newly assigned troops will include soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. Alongside them, an aviation unit specializing in surveillance and logistical support will be sent to assist operations. According to defense officials, the Stryker vehicles — lightly armored combat machines equipped with mounted weapons — will be transported by rail and truck to strategic locations along the border, with Arizona expected to be a key area of focus.

Hegseth 😠 ain’t playin’! Stryker vehicles 💪 rollin’ heavy metal to the border. Troops can’t arrest, just a tough look. #BorderSecurity #Military pic.twitter.com/DLSSnwDSi1

— IredcapI (@IredcapI) March 1, 2025

This latest deployment builds upon the Pentagon’s ongoing border mission. In January, 1,500 additional troops were sent to reinforce existing National Guard and Reserve personnel, bringing the total number of military forces operating in the region to more than 5,000. Officials emphasized that the goal is to “seal the border and protect the territorial integrity of the United States,” reinforcing efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to curb illegal crossings.

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AI SUMMARY:

Tensions between the U.S. and Mexico have… pic.twitter.com/vKswAlgRHF

— Venik (@venik44) March 1, 2025

Mexico’s National Guard is also actively patrolling sections of the border, including the Tijuana region. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has stepped up its enforcement efforts as part of ongoing negotiations with the U.S., including tariff discussions with President Trump.

BREAKING: Pete Hegseth said the DOD will assist with all deportation & border security efforts, and now U.S. military intelligence aircraft are flying over Mexico to collect intel on the cartels.

"Any assets necessary at the Defense Department to support the expulsion and… pic.twitter.com/51cmZ4QAy1

— George (@BehizyTweets) February 3, 2025

Hegseth, who visited the border in February alongside Border Czar Tom Homan, has made it clear that the administration is taking an aggressive stance against cartels and illegal immigration. During his visit, he warned criminal organizations that “all options are on the table” when it comes to securing the border.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is sending mechanized infantry and air support to help secure the US border with Mexico, stepping up the military’s role in immigration enforcement https://t.co/MDJ2ijxqjc

— Bloomberg Asia (@BloombergAsia) March 2, 2025

Officials expect the newly deployed troops to begin arriving in the coming weeks. The Pentagon remains committed to working alongside federal and state agencies to ensure continued enforcement efforts along the southern border.