At the Rio Grande border near Roma, Texas, the U.S. military has intensified its operations amid a renewed surge of troops aimed at curbing illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Army Lt. Col. Ray Richards pointed to a once-busy stretch of the river, now noticeably quieter following an increased military presence that began last year and expanded further this month.
The deployment involves hundreds of troops shifted along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border, bringing the total number of military personnel to approximately 8,000. This force works alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents, the Coast Guard, and Texas law enforcement to monitor and secure key areas. Helicopters, infantry vehicles, and surveillance technology, including a blimp and concertina wire barriers, are integral to this expanded operation. The military has also implemented measures to disrupt drone flights used by cartels for surveillance and drug transport, employing electronic jamming, capture, or laser targeting.
The surge in military activity follows indications of increased cartel operations and has been reinforced by enhanced cooperation from Mexican authorities. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently authorized the deployment of 500 National Guard and military personnel to the Tamaulipas region, which lies directly across the border from Roma. This deployment is part of a coordinated effort with U.S. officials to combat drug and human trafficking in an area known for longstanding cartel violence.
Roma, a city of about 10,000 residents, occupies a unique position along the river, with some stretches lacking a border wall due to the proximity of homes to the riverbank’s steep slopes. Directly opposite is Miguel Alemán in Tamaulipas, a locale severely affected by cartel-related crime.
Illegal border crossings in Roma surged in 2021 amid a wave of families and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum. However, crossings declined sharply after President Joe Biden implemented stringent asylum restrictions in early 2024, and earlier declines occurred following President Donald Trump’s suspension of asylum at the border. Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, military and Coast Guard operations have ramped up to support the lead role of the Border Patrol.
Despite the increased security, attempts to cross persist. Soldiers have reported rafts successfully navigating physical barriers like buoy lines, only to be apprehended shortly after reaching U.S. soil. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding the southern border task force, emphasized the military’s focus on dismantling human trafficking networks, which often serve as conduits for drug smuggling.
Nonetheless, some experts question the effectiveness and necessity of the substantial troop presence. David Shirk, a political scientist at the University of San Diego, noted that most drug trafficking occurs through official ports of entry, not in between, and suggested the military buildup may serve political purposes. Public health researcher Dessa Bergen-Cico pointed out that street prices for cocaine and fentanyl remain low, indicating continued drug flow despite enforcement efforts.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently reported an incident involving gunfire originating from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande, to which U.S. forces responded. Such exchanges underscore the ongoing risks faced by personnel operating in the border region.
The military’s expanded role at the Rio Grande reflects broader efforts to address complex challenges at the border, combining enforcement, technological tools, and bilateral cooperation with Mexican forces to confront persistent threats from organized crime.