--- title: "US Army Deploys Hundreds of Soldiers to Rio Grande Valley" url: https://newscentral.site/us-army-deploys-hundreds-of-soldiers-to-rio-grande-valley/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Politics" published: 2026-10-13T05:38:15.000Z updated: 2026-10-13T06:27:51.824Z id: db158f0f-7ee1-4907-99b4-5ae9fdb2af29 source: "ABC News Politics https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/after-surging-troops-border-us-army-showcases-quieter-137215945" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/us-army-deploys-hundreds-of-soldiers-to-rio-grande-valley/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # US Army Deploys Hundreds of Soldiers to Rio Grande Valley The US Army is sending hundreds of soldiers to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas as part of a growing effort to counter rising activity from Mexican drug cartels along the border. Standing on the banks of the Rio Grande, Army officials have highlighted areas that were previously hotspots for illegal crossings into the US. One such location is now eerily quiet, with American troops patrolling the area and monitoring posts set up in nearby towns. The deployment of additional soldiers to the region follows a year-long effort by the US military to prioritize this stretch of river. According to officials, the area was previously plagued by multiple rafts carrying people attempting to cross into the US at any given time. As part of the troop surge, the Army is shifting some of its existing personnel along the 2,000-mile border to the Rio Grande Valley. This move has been accompanied by increased cooperation with the Mexican military, which US officials say is a key factor in their efforts to combat cartel activity. US forces have already encountered signs of escalating violence from the Mexican side of the river, including recent gunfire that prompted American troops to return fire. The US Coast Guard has also reported encountering hostile fire during operations along the border. The US-Mexico border has been a focal point in American politics, with President Donald Trump's administration making significant strides in securing the area. Despite the president's declining popularity and various economic challenges facing the country, his handling of border security remains a relatively strong aspect of his approval ratings. A recent survey indicates that nearly half of Americans are satisfied with Trump's performance on border security, a figure that stands in contrast to other areas where his administration is facing criticism. This trend has led some experts to question whether the large military presence along the Rio Grande is driven by strategic necessity or political expediency. Critics argue that the vast majority of illicit activity, including drug smuggling and human trafficking, occurs at official ports of entry, rather than in the more remote areas where troops are deployed. This shift in tactics has led some to suggest that the emphasis on military presence along the border is more about optics than actual security concerns. The decline in illegal crossings can be attributed in part to asylum restrictions implemented before Trump's presidency, which have had a significant impact on migration patterns. Meanwhile, a substantial portion of seized narcotics, including fentanyl and cocaine, are being smuggled through checkpoints rather than in between them. Experts like David Shirk, a University of San Diego political science professor, believe the administration is using the military presence as a way to remind voters of its commitment to border security. However, others argue that this approach may not be effective in addressing the root causes of illicit activity, such as low street prices for certain drugs, which suggest an ongoing flow of contraband into the country. The US military's efforts to secure the southern border have been multifaceted, with a focus on dismantling human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking asylum. According to Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding the southern border task force, this approach has yielded significant results in targeting human traffickers and, as an added benefit, disrupting drug smuggling operations. The city of Roma, situated near the Rio Grande, provides a glimpse into the complexities of border security. Due to the river's steep slopes and the proximity of homes to its banks, there are areas where no physical wall exists. Just across the water lies Miguel Alemán, a Mexican town plagued by years of cartel violence. The situation in Roma took a dramatic turn in 2021 when thousands of families and unaccompanied children began arriving daily, seeking asylum. However, this influx significantly decreased after President Joe Biden introduced stringent asylum restrictions in 2024. Furthermore, border crossings declined even further following Trump's suspension of asylum processing at the border. The Army has been working closely with other agencies to fortify the border, including the Coast Guard and Texas law enforcement. This collaboration has led to a significant increase in personnel deployed along the entire border, with the Army now commanding approximately 8,000 US troops. The Rio Grande's waters have become increasingly treacherous for those attempting to cross into Roma, despite multiple obstacles in place. A makeshift barrier of large buoys has been strung together along the river, while concertina wire lines the US riverbank and a surveillance blimp hovers overhead. Army personnel have reported observing groups attempting to cross at dusk, with some managing to navigate through the buoy barrier before being apprehended by authorities in Roma. The use of rafts and other makeshift vessels has become a common tactic for those seeking to evade detection. The cartels' reliance on drones to surveil the border and transport illicit goods has been significantly curtailed due to US efforts to disrupt their operations. Electronic jamming, drone captures, and laser-based interceptions have all contributed to this reduction in drone activity. Despite these gains, some drones still manage to penetrate US airspace, particularly under the cover of darkness. This poses a significant threat to soldiers on the ground, according to military officials. Mexico's military operation along the Rio Grande is reportedly guided by intelligence on the movements of criminal groups, according to an anonymous federal official in Mexico. To support this effort, the Mexican Army has deployed advanced equipment, including two UH-60 helicopters and drones equipped with anti-drone technology. Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard has increased its presence on the river, bringing in over 300 personnel last October. In a recent incident, a Coast Guard boat was fired upon from the Mexican side near Garceno, Texas, prompting the Americans to return fire without sustaining any casualties. The exchange of gunfire highlights the complexities and dangers faced by law enforcement agencies operating along this stretch of the Rio Grande. On a recent patrol, the riverbank presented a tranquil scene, with a Coast Guard boat cruising along the water's edge while locals went about their daily activities on both sides of the border. The US Army has reported significant success in securing the Rio Grande River border, citing a notable decrease in traffic within certain areas as evidence of their efforts. This achievement is attributed to increased operations and patrols by Border Patrol agents. According to Joel Garcia, acting deputy chief patrol agent for the Rio Grande Valley, the agency's data shows that drug seizures and apprehensions are on the rise, indicating effective border control measures. He notes that true border security should be characterized by a lack of activity, with no visible signs of cross-border movement or illicit activities. --- Source: [ABC News Politics](https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/after-surging-troops-border-us-army-showcases-quieter-137215945) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/us-army-deploys-hundreds-of-soldiers-to-rio-grande-valley/