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Military Reinforcements at the U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO — A group of Marines worked efficiently to deploy coils of concertina wire at the busy San Diego-Tijuana border crossing, aiming to enhance security by complicating attempts to scale the already formidable border wall. Their efforts coincided with a surge of vehicle traffic, showcasing the ongoing complexities at one of the busiest border gateways between the United States and Mexico.

The responsibility of reinforcing barriers has historically been part of military operations at the border, a practice that dates back to former President George W. Bush’s administration. President Donald Trump has notably increased the military’s involvement, advocating for a more vigorous stance against what he describes as a “disastrous invasion” across the southern border.

Traditionally, the military has been confined to a supportive status along the U.S.-Mexico border, limited to roles such as surveillance for illegal crossings, vehicle maintenance, and barrier construction—all while following the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which restricts military forces from interfering in civilian law enforcement.

Recent inspections of the border operations revealed a military presence that mirrors previous missions. However, certain analysts and advisors close to Trump contend that there are justifiable legal reasons to enlist military personnel to tackle issues related to narcotics and large-scale migration.

Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the border could enable him to reallocate funds for border wall construction, a strategy he employed during his initial term in office. This may involve directing significant financial resources towards erecting barriers.

On his first day in office, Trump issued orders that suggested the potential use of wartime powers, which could include invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to authorize the deployment of active-duty troops for the suppression of rebellions. He tasked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with providing recommendations within a 90-day timeframe.

According to Adam Isacson from the Washington Office on Latin America, the Insurrection Act provides extensive authority for the military to act in domestic situations. “It is indeed an all-purpose tool,” he emphasizes, indicating that military forces can undertake various actions on U.S. soil.

Trump has already set his administration apart from previous ones, as military aircraft have facilitated deportation flights to Latin America, signifying a shift in approach. The former president also mentioned utilizing a facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to detain thousands of what he terms the “worst criminal aliens,” although this has yet to come to fruition.

Among Border Patrol officials and other personnel, there is a growing sentiment that additional military activities may be in the pipeline. Isacson posits that the Trump administration might take cues from Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star,” which has seen the state’s National Guard play a prominent role in border enforcement.

In the first week of Trump’s presidency, the Defense Department deployed 1,600 active-duty troops to the southern border. U.S. officials disclosed on Friday that preparations are underway for the deployment of at least 1,000 additional troops, split between the border and Guantanamo Bay, as part of the administration’s immigration crackdown.

Currently, the military’s presence in San Diego remains discrete. The Marines laid concertina wire at the base of an already imposing 18-foot-high (5.5-meter-high) border wall, which is fortified with wire on top. Those who manage to breach this initial barrier face an even taller, 30-foot-high (9.1-meter-high) wall, designed to deter desperation efforts to cross.

Aerial tours in Osprey military transport aircraft, used to deliver concertina wire to Brown Field Municipal Airport in San Diego, revealed Border Patrol vehicles strategically stationed at various observation points. The surveillance range extends about 70 miles (112 kilometers) from the coast through rugged ranches and mountainous terrains known for their treacherous crossings.

Recent statistics from Border Patrol indicate a decline in illegal crossings, with arrests averaging 654 per day in the last week, a significant drop from the 1,527 daily average recorded in December.

San Diego has emerged as the primary corridor for illegal crossings over the last year, with recent figures indicating an average of 222 arrests per day between January 18 and 25, down slightly from 237 the previous week.

Source
abcnews.go.com