Military Update on Southern Border Security Operations

Military Support for Border Security

• 🎯 Approximately 8,500 military personnel are assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border to enhance the capacity of US Customs and Border Patrol.
• 📈 Since March 20th, Joint Task Force Southern Border has conducted over 3,500 patrols, including 150 trilateral patrols with CBP and the Mexican military.
• ✅ A coordinated effort between the Department of Defense and Customs and Border Patrol resulted in zero gotaways across the entire southern border between June 28th and June 30th.

National Defense Areas Established

• 🗺️ Secretary Hegsth directed the establishment of National Defense Areas (NDAs) along the US-Mexico border.
• 💧 The South Texas NDA, administered by the Air Force, will cover federal property along 250 river miles of the Rio Grande River.
• 🌵 The Yuma NDA, administered by the Navy, will encompass approximately 140 miles of federal property along the US-Mexico border in Arizona.
• 🛡️ These NDAs aim to enhance the department's ability to protect the southern border from unlawful entry.

National Guard and Task Force 51 Roles

• 💂 Over 4,200 Texas National Guard soldiers and airmen are on state active duty supporting Operation Lone Star.
• 🏖️ Nearly 70 Florida National Guard members are on state active duty, conducting base camp security.
• 🏢 In the greater Los Angeles area, approximately 5,000 military personnel assigned to Task Force 51 protect federal functions, personnel, and property.
• 🤝 These federalized California National Guard and US Marines have supported over 170 missions for nine federal agencies, including DEA, US Marshals, ICE, and DHS.