Army Strykers Deployed for Southern Border Surveillance in New Mexico

Deployment of Army Strykers

• 🚀 19-ton Army Strykers have been deployed to New Mexico for surveillance duty at the southern border.
• 💡 These high-tech vehicles are being used to help stop the flow of human smuggling in an area notorious for it.
• 🎯 The deployment is described as the most aggressive military support seen at the southern border, with more expected soon.

Stryker Vehicle Capabilities

• 🧠 The Stryker armored vehicles are equipped with real-time tracking, advanced surveillance, electronic sensors, and infrared technology, along with radar.
• 🔍 These M1126 Strykers can detect movement day and night and relay information in real-time to border patrol and other Army units.
• ⚠️ From Mexico, the 19-ton, eight-wheel Stryker sends a message to deter illegal crossings.

Border Security Collaboration

• 🤝 Active duty troops are now patrolling alongside border patrol using these vehicles and foot patrols to monitor illegal activity.
• 📍 The vehicles are stationed in sectors including El Paso, Big Bend, and Tucson.
• 📈 Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks stated they are utilizing all available resources, including DOD, Texas National Guard, ATF, and FBI, to secure the border.

Enhanced Detection and Monitoring

• ✅ The deployment follows the defense secretary's approval of enhanced detection and monitoring powers on March 20th.
• ⚡ This allows troops to operate within CBP zones and transport agents, ending static observation posts and bringing back ground mobility.
• 🎯 In an area previously exploited by cartels, border patrol reports zero gotaways in the first 48 hours after Strykers were deployed in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Broader Border Operations and Criticisms

• 👥 At least 6,000 service members are deployed to the US Southern border under Joint Task Force Southern Border, including Stryker brigades, Marines, and aviation units.
• 🗣️ Critics argue that the deployment of Striker brigades and extensive resources is overkill and that these forces could be utilized elsewhere.

Deportation Efforts to El Salvador

• ✈️ In a separate effort, 17 individuals with final orders of removal were transferred to El Salvador's terrorist confinement center (CECOT).
• ⚖️ These individuals are reportedly linked to gangs like MS-13 and have been convicted of crimes, including murder and rape.
• 🏛️ The White House confirmed the transfers were under regular immigration law, following a previous block on using specific deportation methods.