Coast Guard Intensifies Rio Grande Patrols Amid Increased Pentagon Support

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The U.S. Coast Guard is preparing to hold a press conference this Thursday to outline its patrol operations along the southern border, including efforts at the Rio Grande as part of the initiative known as Operation River Wall.

This press briefing is set for 2 p.m. in Mission, Texas. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security unveiled Operation River Wall as a continuation of the Trump administration’s stringent measures against illegal immigration. This initiative represents the largest surge in border enforcement by the Coast Guard in many years.

The Coast Guard’s focus is on a 260-mile section of the Rio Grande near Mission, Texas. The DHS reports that the Coast Guard has deployed “more than 100 boats and hundreds of personnel,” working in collaboration with Border Patrol and U.S. Northern Command.

“The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are masters at protecting America’s maritime borders, a duty they have fulfilled with honor, respect, and commitment since 1790,” Secretary Kristi Noem stated. “Now, Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande and Operation River Wall will significantly amplify our efforts to prevent illegal immigration.”

It is unclear if Noem will be in attendance during the press conference. In addition to discussing Operation River Wall, officials are expected to outline the next phase of defense at the southern border, including permanent command and control teams stationed in the region.