In recent weeks, the U.S. military has intensified its surveillance operations along the U.S.-Mexico border, conducting at least 18 missions over the southwestern United States and the Baja peninsula.
The Pentagon is preparing to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to assist with securing the southern border, U.S. officials revealed on Wednesday. This decision aligns with directives issued by President Donald Trump through executive orders shortly after taking office, aimed at tightening immigration controls.
The Trump administration announced Tuesday the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in riot gear temporarily closed the international bridge to Mexico just before President Donald Trump took the oath of office. During his inaugural address, President Trump declared his intent to take immediate and decisive action on border security, including plans to declare a state of emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and to end the Biden-era CBP One immigration app.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has announced his retirement, effective April, after nearly 30 years of service with the agency. Owens, who became the 26th chief of the United States Border Patrol in June 2023 under President Biden, led during a time of significant challenges, including record-breaking surges in migrant crossings.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended President Joe Biden’s delay in taking executive action on the southern border during an interview with PBS NewsHour on Tuesday. Facing criticism from outgoing ICE Deputy Director P.J. Lechleitner, who argued the administration should have acted sooner, Mayorkas emphasized that earlier action would have likely faced litigation with uncertain outcomes.
