Defense Secretary Says Full Control of Southern Border Equals 'Mission Accomplishment'

Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth right now stated that full management of the southern border is the aim of the present administration and all the intergovernmental businesses working to implement border safety.

When speaking to the media throughout his first go to to the border since being sworn in, Hegseth was requested what mission accomplishment appears to be like like. 

“Mission accomplishment means 100% operational management of the border,” Hegseth stated. 

“Proper now, meaning a surge of manpower … We have seen 1000’s of active-duty and Nationwide Guard troops come to the border with further belongings and techniques that enable us to surveil,” he continued. 

The Protection Division introduced Jan. 22, 2025, that it will be sending 1,500 active-duty service members to the border together with further air and intelligence belongings to help different federal businesses and branches of service which are working to implement border safety.   

Along with all DOD and different federal belongings presently in place for border enforcement, Hegseth additionally highlighted the latest announcement that Mexico agreed to cooperate with enforcement operations from that nation’s aspect of the border.

“Due to President [Donald J.] Trump’s adept means to barter, we now have 10,000 Mexican troops which are going to be patrolling on the opposite aspect of the border. So, there’s cooperation with Mexico, as properly,” Hegseth stated.

When requested in regards to the housing of migrants or deportees on navy bases, Hegseth stated DOD has quite a few choices obtainable.

“Any belongings needed on the Protection Division to assist the expulsion and detention of these in our nation illegally [are] on the desk, to incorporate — as has been extensively reported — Guantanamo Bay,” Hegseth stated. 

On Jan. 29, 2025, Hegseth affirmed that DOD intends to accommodate as much as 30,000 felony migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, following the president’s announcement that he would signal an govt order directing DOD to take action.  

Commenting on the day-to-day actions of the U.S. troops presently working on the border, Hegseth defined that state-based service members have the authority to help with precise enforcement procedures. In distinction, the federal troops are in a position to relieve U.S. Customs and Border Safety brokers from their observational duties in order that these brokers can then carry out apprehensions. 

“I simply talked with a bunch of nice [enlisted service members] who’re doing their obligation. They’re calling in statement to [U.S. Customs and Border Protection], who then interdict,” Hegseth stated, including that the method has significantly elevated the velocity of apprehensions.  

“The flexibility to manage each portion of the border — beneath, above floor, [by air] and by sea is one thing we take very severely, and we’ll guarantee [that happens] as quickly as potential,” Hegseth stated. 

“No matter is required from [the Department of Homeland Security] … from the border czar [Tom Homan] and others can be supplied by the Protection Division. As a result of our mission is obvious: 100% operational management … and we’re proud to do it,” he added. 

Hegseth concluded his assembly with the media by praising the navy organizations collaborating within the federal border enforcement operation. 

“I need to give a shout-out to the commanders within the discipline who’ve executed quickly and with most professionalism … throughout the spectrum,” Hegseth stated. 

“I am extremely pleased with the soldiers we have now within the Protection Division and their dedication to this mission.”