Pete Hegseeth by President Donald Trump went to the southern border on Monday for his first official trip in his new role.
The former Fox News -Gastheer traveled with Border Tsar Tom Homan to meet troops that were used to prevent illegal crossings.
The number of troops stationed on the southern border has doubled since Trump ordered the Pentagon to take 'full operational control' of the current crisis.
Plans are to send a total of 10,000 troops to the border, but so far around 2,600 Marines and army soldiers have been deployed since Hegseeth started to implement the Trump guideline last week.
In addition, 500 Marines arrived on Sunday at the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba.
It will be used to accommodate and keep illegal immigrants that are deported from the US until repatriation operations can take place.
“It was an honor to meet the troops that are involved in securing our southern border,” Hegseeth wrote in a post to X together with a video of him who shake hands with forces in Texas.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseeth (left) and Border Czar Tom Homan (right) were informed during a meeting with troops on the southern border in Texas on Monday 3 February 3 February 3
Hegseeth spoke with troops that were used to help border operations while the Pentagon takes 'full operational control' of the migrant crisis
“They are the backbone of the safety of our nation. Their dedication to service and unparalleled courage protects the liberties that we are dear. '
“We will continue to deliver this vital mission,” said the Minister of Defense.
Hegseeth and Homan spoke on Monday with those at Army Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, while more troops are preparing to use.
US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad) informed the two men on their operations on the border during their meeting in Texas on Monday.
“Our service members are ready and hard at work,” said Hegseeth after the meeting.
Members of the Marines and the Army have the task of helping ion detection and avoidance efforts on the border.
They also perform deportation flights from migrants who are repatriated with their country of origin.
Homan and Hegseeth step on Monday from an airplane in El Paso, Texas to shake the hands of the service members as part of the first trip of the Pentagon Chief in his new role after confirmation last month
The Pentagon has deployed 500 troops in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba to prepare prison there to accommodate illegal immigrants and prepare them for deportation. Displayed: Marines countries on Gitmo on weekends
During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised that he would carry out the largest deportation effort in American history.
While trying to collect papers of alien beings in the country, his agencies are looking for places to accommodate these migrants and hold it to their deportation flights.
Guantanamo Bay is such an area that will be used to accommodate migrants who are awaiting deportation.
The naval base is best known for serving as the prison location for terrorists and those suspected of connections with planning the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.
