In a recent development, Gloria Chávez, the head of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) sector along the United States' southern border, announced that over the past 48 hours, the Border Patrol has deported more than 735 undocumented migrants via land routes. These individuals, hailing from countries such as Cuba, Honduras, Venezuela, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador, had entered the U.S. illegally. While Chávez shared this information on the platform X, she did not specify the number of deportees from each nationality.
Covering 277 miles along the Rio Grande and 316 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, the Rio Grande Valley sector is one of the most active zones in terms of border security. Chávez emphasized, "These ongoing border security operations demonstrate the unwavering dedication, determination, and commitment of our Border Patrol agents to safeguard our great nation, enhancing the safety of our borders and communities."
Escorted by Mexican immigration and security officials, most of these migrants, predominantly men, were led across the Paso del Norte bridge, linking El Paso, Texas, to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. In a concurrent and unprecedented move, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has commanded the deployment of regular Army and Marine Corps troops to the Mexican border.
This strategic decision aims to bolster security measures in the area and curb the influx of migrants attempting to enter the U.S. The operation, deemed historic, involves the deployment of over 1,500 military personnel, including 500 Marines and Navy staff, supplementing the 2,200 National Guard members and 4,500 reservists already stationed in the region. According to the White House, these additional forces are tasked with "protecting and defending the territorial integrity of the United States."
The deployment spans border states such as California, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, where temporary camps and observation points have been established. Images released by the White House show troops arriving in helicopters and military aircraft, armed and proceeding to their designated positions. These operations also involve helicopters for aerial reconnaissance and personnel transport.
The executive order signed by Trump outlines the increase in border personnel to assist the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), one of the largest U.S. agencies, whose primary mission is to prevent the entry of terrorists, weapons, and undocumented migrants. According to the Department of Defense, the deployment not only includes ground soldiers but also military aircraft, such as C-47 planes, for the deportation of migrants.
Insights on U.S. Border Security Measures
Why were migrants deported from the U.S. to Mexico?
Migrants were deported as part of ongoing border security operations aimed at preventing illegal entry into the United States and ensuring the safety of its borders and communities.
Which countries were the migrants deported from?
The migrants came from several countries, including Cuba, Honduras, Venezuela, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
What is the significance of the Rio Grande Valley sector in border security?
The Rio Grande Valley sector is crucial in border security due to its extensive border length, making it one of the most active areas for border protection efforts.