160 Marines Support Border Security at Campo Station California

Since January, the Trump administration has deployed approximately 160 to 170 active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Campo Border Patrol Station in southeastern San Diego County, near the Tecate, California border. Their primary mission involves reinforcing the existing border barrier with concertina wire to deter illegal crossings, as part of a broader military effort that includes nearly 10,000 service members supporting border security. Marines operate under Joint Task Force-Southern Border, providing logistical and engineering support, and are equipped with rifles for self-defense though they have not reported any detentions. The deployment is a continuation of President Trump's strategy to militarize the border, including designating stretches of land as military installations to facilitate troop patrols. While some local residents welcome the Marines' presence, there are concerns from California officials and community advocates about the implications of expanding military roles in immigration enforcement, citing potential risks to law enforcement personnel and civilians. This military involvement complements other federal immigration enforcement actions, such as recent ICE arrests, and reflects ongoing efforts to manage shifting migration patterns amid national policy debates.