Military Deployment Transforms Border Security Efforts in San Diego Area

SAN DIEGO, California — A recent deployment of U.S. military personnel to the southern border has significantly changed border security dynamics, according to a senior border agent. The assistance, ordered by President Donald Trump, has markedly reduced illegal crossing attempts in one of the busiest areas along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Jeffrey Stalnaker, the acting Chief Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector, described the military’s presence as a powerful enhancement to border operations. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, he remarked, “It’s a force multiplier. It assists us to accomplish our mission more effectively.”

Significant Deployments to Curb Illegal Crossings

The San Diego border sector is known for its high volume of illegal crossings. Over recent weeks, hundreds of service members from the Army, Marines, and Navy have joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on the ground. This significant influx of military personnel has occurred shortly after Trump’s inauguration, reinforcing border efforts in real-time.

Statistics from February indicate that apprehensions at the southern border reached their lowest point since the year 2000. Customs and Border Protection recorded only 30,000 encounters with illegal migrants during this month, a striking drop from over 130,000 encounters during the same period in 2023 and 2024. Stalnaker credits the military’s involvement as a critical factor in this dramatic decrease.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Strategic Support

According to Stalnaker, the military assistance goes beyond just personnel. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements, stating, “It’s not just walls and concertina wire, it’s also our weather roads. It gives us access, quick access, to be able to move our agents and respond to an event, a law enforcement situation.”

Approximately 500 Marines assigned to Task Force Sapper have been actively reinforcing existing border barriers. This includes the installation of razor wire, designed to hinder potential crossings and provide CBP agents with valuable time to react.

Lt. Col Tyrone Barrion, the commanding officer of Task Force Sapper, explained, “We are the engineers conducting the construction down on the southern border to reinforce the existing primary and secondary barriers specifically within the San Diego sector. Our efforts create obstacles that disrupt any attempts to cross over or through these barriers.”

Barrion highlighted that these enhancements create additional time for border patrol agents to respond effectively. The Marines plan to extend their protective measures from the Pacific coastline of San Diego, progressing approximately 20 miles inland to address gaps caused by rough terrain.

Army Engineers and Military Police Collaborate for Surveillance

In addition to the Marines, multiple companies of Army engineers and military police from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, have been deployed to assist with surveillance and detection operations. Although these soldiers do not directly engage in stopping illegal crossings, their role has been pivotal. A spokesperson from Customs and Border Protection noted that this military collaboration enables agents to allocate their resources more efficiently.

On Otay Mountain, which overlooks the border area close to Tijuana, Army soldiers provide crucial support by operating a CBP surveillance station. This setup allows for the detection of potential illegal activity across a wide swath of the area. Historically, CBP agents have operated this equipment; however, the support from military personnel enhances operational efficiency.

As the border encounters high demand for vigilance, the collaboration with military troops helps CBP agents focus on responsive actions and apprehensions. The constant communication between the Army and CBP personnel has fostered a strong partnership.

A Transformative Impact on Border Security

Stalnaker expressed his appreciation for the military’s contribution, noting that the personnel deployed to the border have transformed operations within the San Diego Sector. In an environment that often deals with limited staffing resources, this support allows for a more effective approach to border security. The agent remarked, “They’re a great partner. We enjoy having them out here.”

The result of these comprehensive efforts is clear as the border area has witnessed a significant reduction in illegal crossings. The military’s involvement marks a deliberate strategy aimed at not only deterring unlawful activity but also enhancing the overall safety and security of the border.

As border security continues to evolve, the lessons learned from these deployments may shape future strategies for managing challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border. The ongoing cooperation between military and border patrol is expected to prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of border security in the years ahead.