U.S. Navy deploys destroyers to enhance border security

In a response to increased border security needs, the U.S. Northern Command announced the recent deployment of two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Gravely and USS Spruance, to patrol the southern border near Mexico. This strategic move supports ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at preventing illegal drug trafficking and unauthorized border crossings. The USS Gravely, which had already been in service in the Middle East, is now part of a combined effort with the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment to enhance maritime security in areas close to the United States. In conjunction with the Navy's efforts, eight-wheeled armored vehicles known as Strykers have also been stationed at the El Paso sector as part of the Pentagon’s support to Customs and Border Protection. These vehicles, which are outfitted with surveillance technology but lack weapons, assist Border Patrol agents by detecting illegal migrants attempting to cross the border. The deployment marks the first use of Strykers at the southern border in over a decade, coinciding with a recent decrease in migrant encounters. Officials from Border Patrol emphasize that their goal is to maintain low numbers of crossings and deter criminal organizations from operating in the vicinity. The troubling landscape of U.S.-Mexico border dynamics reflects ongoing struggles against drug cartels and organized crime, as authorities increasingly rely on naval and ground resources to enforce maritime and land borders effectively. Amidst this heightened presence of military assets, Border Patrol agents have reported decreased numbers of migrant encounters, suggesting that the visible deterrents may impact cartel tactics and migrant decisions regarding crossing the border.