In a decisive move to address the ongoing border situation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the southern border on Monday, proclaiming a renewed dedication to securing America's frontiers and curbing illegal immigration. This visit underscores the Trump administration's intensified efforts to bolster border control.
Speaking at a press conference in El Paso, Texas, following a tour of the border region, Hegseth declared, "President Trump has ushered in a new era at the southern border—an era marked by unwavering resolve and unprecedented collaboration. The Department of Defense is proud to play a vital role in this critical mission." Hegseth stressed the administration's prioritization of U.S. sovereignty.
Hegseth, accompanied by Tom Homan, the lead official for border security in Texas, inspected border operations on February 3, 2025. (Photo by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Reflecting on past deployments, Hegseth remarked, "For decades, my generation has been safeguarding the borders of other nations. It's high time we prioritize the security of our own." From his first day in office, President Trump deployed the U.S. military to the border, augmenting the existing force with over 1,500 troops. This deployment has coincided with a significant decrease in border encounters.
Hegseth emphasized the dedication of the personnel stationed at the border, stating, "Their motivation stems from a deep commitment to protecting their communities and loved ones from an influx of individuals whose intentions remain unknown. We are determined to gain control of this border." Hegseth's visit follows a recent trip by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to Del Rio, Texas, where she assessed the situation and explored ways to support Border Patrol agents. Noem affirmed the administration's stance: "Under President Trump, the era of open borders is definitively over."
A group crosses the US-Mexico border from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, into Sunland Park, New Mexico, on January 24, 2025. (Justin Hamel/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also embarked on his first international trip to Latin America, visiting Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. His agenda focuses on key issues such as migration, drug trafficking, and gang violence. Border czar Tom Homan, speaking alongside Hegseth, described the collaborative efforts of the military and other government agencies as a pivotal shift in border control strategy. Homan expressed confidence in achieving operational control of the southern border under President Trump's leadership.
