The United States military has taken steps to fortify the border wall in Tijuana, Mexico, using razor wire to deter illegal immigration. According to a post on X by the Department of Defense, members of the 1st Marine Division, alongside the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, have deployed concertina wire along the southern border wall, providing "additional security to reduce illegal border crossings."
Further updates revealed that the U.S. Northern Command is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen border protection. "This initial deployment of 1,500 active-duty personnel brings the total number of Title 10 military forces along the border to nearly 4,000," the department stated.
The operation involves reinforcing the base and top portions of the border wall between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, near the San Ysidro international port. Local residents shared with Publico that since last week, Marines have brought in machinery, and soon after, the sounds of their work—installing wire and reinforcing barriers—could be heard.
On February 3, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the border to witness the operations firsthand and engage with the service members stationed there. Hegseth noted that troop morale is high, as they are committed to strengthening their country, stating, "When you meet these men and women at our border in real time, capable of defending their communities, their families, their churches, their schools, they love that."
Since taking office, President Trump has implemented measures to bolster security at the U.S. southern border, citing the need to protect the nation from what he describes as a "migrant invasion." After declaring a national emergency at the border, he ordered the resumption of wall construction, resulting in the addition of at least 79 miles of barrier.
The deployment of an additional 1,500 military personnel has been ordered, supplementing the 2,500 National Guard troops already in the area. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the newly arrived troops would provide logistical and transportation support to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its patrol operations.
Moreover, President Trump announced the discontinuation of the CBP One mobile app for asylum requests and the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" program (officially, Migrant Protection Protocols), which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the U.S.
The U.S. administration has made it clear that its immigration policy will not differentiate between illegal migrants who have committed serious crimes and those who have simply entered the country unlawfully. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that individuals become "criminals by definition" upon illegal entry into the country.
Key Questions on U.S. Border Security Enhancements
What measures have been taken to reinforce the U.S.-Mexico border wall?
The U.S. military has installed concertina wire along the border wall in Tijuana, Mexico, as part of efforts to enhance security and prevent illegal crossings.
How many military personnel have been deployed to the border region?
An initial deployment of 1,500 active-duty personnel has increased the total military presence along the border to nearly 4,000 individuals.
What changes has President Trump made to the U.S. immigration policy?
President Trump has reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" program and discontinued the CBP One app for asylum requests, while emphasizing strict border security measures.