Related videos:
The administration of Donald Trump announced on Monday the beginning of “Operation River Wall”, an unprecedented mobilization of the Coast Guard to reinforce security in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the most active stretches of the southern border between the United States and Mexico.
According to reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in an official statement, the operation aims to “protect the Rio Grande against illegal immigration, narcoterrorists, and other criminal activities,” through the deployment of more than 100 vessels and hundreds of personnel under the command of the Rio Grande Coast Guard Forces.
"President Trump achieved the safest southern border in the history of the United States in record time, and now our goal is to ensure that it remains that way in the long term," stated Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, in a statement released by the DHS.
In a post on her official account on X, Noem reiterated the Republican government's commitment to immigration control and emphasized the role of the Coast Guard in this new phase of border defense.
"The men and women of the Coast Guard are experts in defending the maritime borders of the United States. Now, the Rio Grande Coast Guard Forces and Operation River Wall will serve as a force multiplier in the defense against illegal immigration," wrote the official, emphasizing the agency's experience since 1790.
The acting commander of the Coast Guard, Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, stated that the operation will focus on monitoring, securing, and defending approximately 427 kilometers of the Rio Grande Valley, utilizing rapid response vessels, command and control systems, and specialized tactical technology.
The initiative is part of a series of recent measures promoted by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy. According to the DHS, no illegal immigrants have been released within the country in the past five months, and fiscal year 2025 recorded the lowest number of arrests at the southwest border since 1970.
In addition, on October 10, the government announced contracts worth $4.5 billion to build 230 miles of a "Smart Wall," which will combine steel barriers, water sensors, cameras, detection systems, and patrol lights.
The River Wall Operation thus reinforces the political message from the White House that “the United States is regaining control of its southern border,” amid rising migration tensions and criticism from human rights organizations that denounce an overly militarized approach to the migration phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Operation River Wall" and Trump's Immigration Policy
What is the "River Wall Operation" and what is its objective?
The "Operation River Wall" is an initiative by the Donald Trump administration aimed at strengthening security in the Rio Grande Valley, an active stretch of the southern border of the United States. Its goal is to protect the Rio Grande against illegal immigration, narcoterrorists, and other criminal activities, through the deployment of over 100 vessels and hundreds of Coast Guard personnel.
How does the Coast Guard contribute to border security in the "Operation River Wall"?
The Coast Guard participates in the "River Wall Operation" through the use of rapid response vessels, command and control systems, and specialized tactical technology. Their experience in defending the maritime borders of the U.S. is vital in this new phase of border defense, allowing for effective control over approximately 260 miles of the Rio Grande border.
What is the impact of "Operation River Wall" on U.S. immigration policy?
The "Operation River Wall" is part of a series of measures by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy. These actions have led to the lowest number of border apprehensions in the southwest since 1970, and reinforce the message that the United States is regaining control of its southern border. This occurs in the context of increasing migration tensions and criticism of the administration's militarized approach.
What other measures is the Trump administration taking to strengthen the southern border besides the "Operation River Wall"?
In addition to the "Operation River Wall," the Trump administration announced contracts worth $4.5 billion to build 230 miles of a "Smart Wall," which will include steel barriers, water sensors, cameras, and detection systems. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure border security and respond to Trump's commitment to complete the construction of the border wall.
Filed under: