Five hundred Texas National Guard soldiers touched down in El Paso on Saturday, September 13, 2025, marking the latest surge in a years-long effort to fortify the U.S.-Mexico border. According to a social media announcement from El Paso Border Patrol Sector Chief Walter Slosar, the troops arrived on transport aircraft provided by the Texas Air National Guard. Their mission: to support the U.S. Border Patrol in securing the border, a task that has become both routine and controversial in recent years.
This deployment is part of Operation Lone Star, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s high-profile border security initiative that has drawn both praise and criticism for its scale and cost. As reported by the El Paso Times, the operation has cost billions and continues to stoke debate over the militarization of the border and the effectiveness of such sweeping measures. Still, for those on the ground, the focus is clear: bolster the border with technology, manpower, and a renewed sense of urgency.
The newly arrived soldiers aren’t just there to stand watch. Some will be tasked with improving border infrastructure—think barriers, surveillance systems, and roads that allow for rapid response. Others will receive specialized training and be deputized under Title 8, granting them the authority to detain and arrest individuals attempting to cross the border illegally. "If you come here illegally, you will be arrested. You are going to be removed. You are going to be prosecuted, despite what smugglers are telling people," read a statement from Border Patrol leadership, underscoring the hardline approach being taken.
But what’s particularly notable about this latest deployment is its timing. According to El Paso Times, the El Paso region is currently experiencing historically low numbers of migrants attempting to cross the border. This decline stands in stark contrast to the images and headlines from previous years, when surges of migrants created humanitarian and logistical challenges for both U.S. and Mexican officials. The reasons for the drop are complex, involving changes in U.S. policy, increased enforcement by Mexico, and shifting migration patterns due to global events.
Despite the current lull, officials insist that vigilance is essential. The Texas National Guard has been a fixture along the El Paso-Juárez border for years, often working in tandem with federal agencies to identify and dismantle smuggling operations. The U.S. military has also contributed, deploying troops and even Stryker armored vehicles to reinforce border security. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal networks that profit from moving people and drugs across the border.
Intelligence sharing has become a cornerstone of this strategy. As outlined by Border Patrol, information is being exchanged in real time, allowing authorities to "action" targets not just locally, but globally. The goal, according to the agency, is to ensure that "the long arm of American justice is never too short to reach out and touch somebody." It’s a bold promise, one that reflects the increasingly international nature of border enforcement in the 21st century.
Meanwhile, across the river in Juárez and other Mexican border cities, the Mexican government has ramped up its own efforts. In February 2025, Mexico deployed troops as part of Operación Frontera Norte (Operation Northern Border), a campaign aimed squarely at cracking down on drug trafficking and organized crime. This bilateral push has added a new layer of complexity to the region’s security landscape, with both countries investing heavily in personnel and resources.
Yet, for all the talk of technology and tactical deployments, the presence of soldiers on American soil remains a flashpoint for debate. Critics argue that the ongoing militarization of the border sends the wrong message, turning what is fundamentally a humanitarian and law enforcement challenge into a military standoff. They point to the multibillion-dollar price tag of Governor Abbott’s border security programs and question whether the investment is justified, especially given the current decrease in migrant crossings.
Supporters, on the other hand, contend that such measures are necessary to deter illegal activity and maintain order. They argue that the border remains a magnet for smuggling and trafficking, and that only a robust, coordinated response can address the problem at its root. The real-time sharing of intelligence and the ability to act on global targets, they say, are examples of how modern technology can amplify the reach and effectiveness of traditional enforcement.
The soldiers themselves face a unique challenge. Some will be working on infrastructure projects—building, repairing, and maintaining the physical barriers and surveillance systems that define the modern border. Others will undergo training to be deputized under Title 8, a legal framework that allows non-federal personnel to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. This dual role reflects the evolving nature of border security, where the lines between military, law enforcement, and humanitarian work are increasingly blurred.
For local residents, the arrival of the National Guard is both reassuring and unsettling. On one hand, there’s a sense of security that comes from knowing the border is being closely monitored. On the other, there’s unease about the long-term implications of such a heavy military presence. Some worry that the focus on enforcement overshadows the need for comprehensive immigration reform and humanitarian assistance for those fleeing violence and poverty.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the situation on the border will continue to evolve. The historically low numbers of migrants in El Paso may not last forever, and officials on both sides of the border are preparing for the possibility of future surges. The ongoing collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities, the integration of new technology, and the willingness to adapt strategies will all play a role in shaping the region’s future.
For now, the message from El Paso is unambiguous. As Border Patrol put it in their recent statement, "If you come here illegally, you will be arrested. You are going to be removed. You are going to be prosecuted." It’s a tough stance, one that reflects both the challenges and the complexities of managing one of the world’s busiest and most scrutinized borders.
As the sun sets over the desert, the newly arrived soldiers settle into their posts, the hum of activity a reminder that, for all the controversy and debate, the work of securing the border never really stops.
