The U.S. military’s posture along the southern border has entered a new phase. For the first time, American troops deployed in support of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations are now authorized to conduct mobile patrols in Stryker armored vehicles—a marked shift from the static, observational roles they’ve held in recent years.
The move, announced by U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), follows a March 1 order by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directing 2,400 soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to the U.S.-Mexico border. Less than three weeks later, on March 20, Hegseth expanded their mission, granting troops increased flexibility and operational reach across difficult border terrain.
This new authorization allows military personnel to move beyond fixed posts and into forward patrol zones using Strykers—eight-wheeled armored vehicles capable of transporting up to 11 soldiers and reaching speeds of 60 mph. Certain variants are equipped with remote weapon systems, including .50 caliber machine guns and MK19 grenade launchers, further expanding their tactical utility.
Mission-ready! U.S. Army Stryker units deploy to reinforce the southern border, assisting our El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents in tracking illegal border crossings and drug trafficking head-on. Border Security is National Security! pic.twitter.com/Y4uKZ6OkZE
— Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefEPT) March 27, 2025
According to NORTHCOM, these mobile patrols aim to enhance “detection and monitoring” capabilities, not engage in direct law enforcement. Troops are still restricted under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which prohibits federal military personnel from conducting arrests or detentions. Any such actions must be carried out by CBP agents or state-controlled National Guard troops operating under Title 32 authority.
Military patrols, therefore, will always include or be in close coordination with law enforcement personnel. Troops are tasked with expanding visibility, tracking movement across remote areas, and transporting CBP agents as needed.
“The unique military capabilities and equipment such as 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s Stryker armored vehicles can be more effectively utilized by Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) while working with CBP to achieve operational control of the border,” the NORTHCOM statement noted.
To ensure legal compliance, service members supporting JTF-SB have received training on constitutional and statutory boundaries, with a focus on surveillance operations and engagement protocols. The use of military force remains limited to self-defense only, and if certain tactical missions prohibit troops from carrying weapons directly, armed overwatch elements will provide security.
As of now, over 10,000 active-duty and National Guard troops are either deployed or authorized for deployment along the southern border.
