March 2026 marked the first anniversary of an organization many Americans aren’t aware of, despite its key role in tightening security along the US-Mexico border.
The US military’s Joint Task Force–Southern Border (JTF-SB) has expanded detection and monitoring, improved data sharing, and enabled its U.S. law enforcement partners to increase apprehension rates along the 1,954 miles of U.S.-Mexico border to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) there.
Key Task Force accomplishments include:
JTF-SB has assisted DHS in achieving historically low levels of individuals attempting to illegally cross our southern border.
Approximately 22,000 enhanced detection and monitoring missions were conducted, enabling greater awareness of illegal crossings from Mexico into the United States. Of these, almost 3,000 were joint patrols alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, and over 800 were mirrored patrols on both sides of the southern border with CBP and the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense.
More than 84,000 security site missions were conducted, providing continuous detection and monitoring across key areas of the southern border. These missions leveraged advanced sensor‑borne technology, including fixed and mobile ground sensors and long‑range systems, to deliver greater situational awareness.
Aviation members have executed nearly 1,600 aerial observation flight missions and 220 unmanned aerial missions, monitoring areas of interest and providing overwatch for personnel on the ground.
US Marines assigned to the Joint Task Force-Southern Border erect signs along the Arizona border with Mexico warning against entry into newly-designated “National Defense Area.” (US Dept. of Defense photo) Nearly 6,000 signs and 2,000 buoys have been installed along 656 miles of the southern border to clearly demarcate the five recently created National Defense Areas.
Over 51,000 rolls of concertina wire have been placed in key areas at the direction of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These border barriers are the largest in U.S. history, and deter and deny illegal crossings.
US Marines assigned to the Joint Task Force-Southern Border install concertina wire to deter illegal crossings into the US from Mexico. (US Dept. of Defense photo) As the Joint Task Force–Southern Border enters its second year, the task force is focused on further strengthening security along the US Southern Border with Mexico:
“Our mission continues, and our commitment is unwavering. We will keep evolving, supporting our partners and protecting the American people.” Major General David Gardner, Task Force Commander
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Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
Jack Beavers - US Border News 
