SAN DIEGO – A group of Marines has been engaged in fortifying the border wall that separates Tijuana from San Diego by laying down coils of concertina wire—one at ground level and one elevated—to enhance security and deter illegal crossings. This operation occurred during a busy weekend at the busiest border crossing between the United States and Mexico, showcasing the military’s swift and efficient efforts.
This initiative aligns with a historical precedent of military involvement in border security that dates back to George W. Bush’s administration. However, recent indications suggest that President Donald Trump may escalate military participation as he frames the influx of migrants and drugs as a “disastrous invasion.” Historically, the military’s role has been mainly supportive, focusing on actions such as monitoring illegal crossings and constructing barriers while adhering to the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
During a recent tour of the San Diego border area with Marines, a military operation reminiscent of past missions was observed. Nonetheless, some scholars and advisors associated with Trump argue there are justifiable legal frameworks allowing for military engagement in combating drug trafficking and mass migration. Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border suggests he might allocate funds for border wall development, similar to actions during his initial time in office.
The possibility of invoking wartime powers, particularly the Insurrection Act of 1807, could empower Trump to deploy active-duty military personnel to tackle what he perceives as rebellion. He has tasked both Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with providing recommendations within 90 days. According to Adam Isacson from the Washington Office on Latin America, a research and advocacy organization, the Insurrection Act is versatile enough to allow the military to take various actions on U.S. soil.
The current administration’s strategies demonstrate a clear departure from previous presidencies. While the military has offered temporary housing for migrants, recent deportation efforts to Central American countries represent a significant shift. Notably, Trump has mentioned using a facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to detain thousands of “worst criminal aliens,” though this proposal has not yet been realized.
Expectations among Border Patrol agents suggest that more military operations may soon unfold. Isacson indicates that there could be inspiration drawn from Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star,” which has prominently positioned the state’s National Guard in border enforcement activities. In the early days of Trump’s current term, approximately 1,600 active-duty troops were deployed to the border, with plans now underway to send at least an additional 1,000. This new deployment will split between the border and Guantanamo Bay as part of Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
Currently, the military’s presence in San Diego has been relatively understated. The Marines deployed concertina wire at the base of an existing 18-foot-high border wall, which is complemented by a second, imposing 30-foot-high wall for any individuals who manage to surpass the initial wire barrier. A recent operational overview using Osprey military transport aircraft, which have been utilized to ferry concertina wire to a local airport, revealed various Border Patrol vehicles strategically stationed for surveillance along a stretch of approximately 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean through rugged ranch lands and mountainous terrain.
Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks reported that recent figures indicate an average of 654 illegal crossing arrests per day over a week, a notable decline from 1,527 daily arrests recorded in December. Throughout the past year, San Diego has remained a significant area for illegal cross-border activity, with recent data showing an average of 222 arrests daily in a week-long snapshot, showing a slight decrease from the previous week.
