US Military Expands Presence to Secure Southern Border

The United States military’s expanded presence along the southern border and in the seas is set to continue for several years, according to Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot.

Speaking before the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, April 1, Guillot confirmed that the deployment of active-duty forces, along with naval assets, will remain a critical component of the US national security strategy.

This long-term commitment comes as the US ramps up efforts to curb illegal immigration, combat drug trafficking, and address broader geopolitical challenges in the region.

The Scale of US Military Deployment

Currently, around 6,500 active-duty US military personnel are stationed along the southern border, with that number increasing to approximately 10,000 when naval ships and aircraft are included in the operations.

This expanded force is part of President Donald Trump’s executive order, which was signed a few months ago, designed to enhance border security.

In addition to these ground forces, the US Navy has deployed guided-missile destroyers, such as the USS Spruance (DDG-111) and USS Gravely (DDG-107), along with the USS Normandy (CG-60), to patrol the seas and provide a robust presence in the region.

⚓⚔️ USS Spruance (DDG 111) Sailors and U.S. Coast Guardsmen Support Southern Border Mission 🛡️🇺🇸#southernborder pic.twitter.com/1Q48WkeIjn

— Naval Surface Forces (@SurfaceWarriors) March 31, 2025

The financial cost of this expanded operation is significant, with the Pentagon estimating that the first two months of deployments have cost $376 million. However, the results have been promising, with a reported 97 percent decrease in illegal crossings following the issuance of the executive order aimed at securing the border.

Although the numbers are encouraging, the situation remains fluid, as the cartels in Mexico continue to adapt their strategies to circumvent increased border enforcement.

The Role of the Military and the Border Patrol

While military personnel are stationed at the border, they are primarily focused on surveillance, detection, and intelligence gathering. These efforts are aimed at providing support to civilian law enforcement agencies, such as the US Border Patrol, which carries out detention activities.

Guillot emphasized that active-duty forces are not authorized to detain illegal migrants but are instead tasked with monitoring and turning over critical intelligence to law enforcement.

He further stressed that military personnel are equipped with the necessary training on the legal limitations set by the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement activities.

A notable risk emerging from this heightened security is the potential for attacks from cartel-operated drones. US officials have raised alarms over the increasing use of drones by criminal organizations to target US personnel.

Mexican cartels are using more and more drones in their clashes with rivals.

Here is a recent example of the “El Tena” group striking a CJNG cartel armored vehicle in Chinicuila

🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/iXoym2uefz

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 10, 2025

Guillot has requested that military forces be authorized to shoot down these drones to protect personnel and prevent threats from escalating.

Rising Global Influence in the Western Hemisphere

The US military’s expanded presence at the southern border is part of a broader strategy to address not only internal security concerns but also the geopolitical dynamics of the region.

Gen. Guillot noted the challenges posed by Mexican cartels, which are increasingly utilizing new methods to smuggle people and narcotics into the US.

The tightening of border security has triggered a violent struggle among these cartels, as they attempt to regain their economic foothold in the face of mounting crackdowns from both the US and Mexico.

Simultaneously, the US is also dealing with the growing influence of global powers in the region.

Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), highlighted the increasing presence of China and Russia, particularly in strategic areas like the Panama Canal.

China’s Belt and Road initiative, which includes infrastructure investments across Latin America, has raised concerns about Chinese influence over critical chokepoints such as ports and airfields in the region.

Holsey stressed the importance of maintaining a strong US presence to counteract these efforts and ensure regional stability.

.@USNorthernCmd Commander Gen. Guillot and @SouthCom Commander Adm. Holsey tell @RepMikeRogersAL that the current DoD acquisition system is NOT getting them what they need when they need it.

We must reform our acquisition system to ensure our warfighters have what they need to… pic.twitter.com/5wmbTEjQQB

— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) April 1, 2025

Drug Interdiction and Regional Cooperation

A significant focus of the expanded US military presence is drug interdiction.

The US has partnered with numerous Latin American countries, including Colombia, to curb the flow of illicit drugs into the US.

The military’s role in drug interdiction has seen success, but more resources are needed to improve the efficiency of these operations.

Holsey mentioned that US forces are only able to engage 10 percent of what they observe, and more ships, aircraft, and intelligence assets are required to increase interdiction rates.

The increase in coca production in Colombia, which has seen a 50 percent rise in output, has further complicated these efforts.

Cartels have exploited the situation, making it harder for local governments to combat the trade effectively.

Holsey emphasized that US partnerships in the region, particularly with Colombia’s military, remain crucial to countering these challenges.

You can watch the full hearing on US Military Posture and National Security Challenges in North and South America below!

Conclusion

The US military’s bigger presence at the southern border and at sea is a big change in how the US handles security and regional issues. Early results, like fewer illegal crossings, are promising, but long-term success depends on working with international partners, providing enough resources, and balancing security with humanitarian concerns.