The Joint Task Force Southern Border (JTF-SB) is setting a new standard for interagency cooperation with its whole-of-government approach to securing the southern border of the United States. This collaborative effort, which integrates military capabilities with the U.S. Border Patrol, aims to tackle the growing challenges of border security while ensuring a synchronized response to illicit activities.
From its headquarters to the squad-sized teams operating directly on the border, JTF-SB personnel are working hand in hand with Border Patrol agents. “My experiences in past deployments and working in Europe have reinforced the importance of partner collaboration—a principle directly applicable to our current mission with Border Patrol,” stated Army Lt. Col. Cris Gasperini, commander of the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, assigned to JTF-SB. He emphasized the effectiveness of integrating military assets with those of Border Patrol, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing border security.
Army Sgt. Kenohe Leonor and 1st Lt. Jordan Hathaway brief a Border Patrol agent during a patrol in Yuma, Ariz., July 16, 2025, as Mexican army personnel mirror the effort from their respective sovereign territory. These mirrored patrols aimed at preventing illegal activity across the border demonstrate collaboration between both armed forces. © Army 2nd Lt. Erica Esterly
The task force’s operations span the diverse 1,954 miles of the southern border, which includes a mix of urban areas, deserts, dense vegetation, rivers, and rural communities. Each of these terrains presents unique security challenges, all of which are being addressed through the combined resources of JTF-SB and interagency partners.
One of the critical assets utilized by JTF-SB is the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar, which helps improve security at the border. This advanced technology not only supports U.S. Border Patrol’s law enforcement missions but also enhances defensive capabilities against small unmanned aerial systems, which are becoming increasingly prevalent threats.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Beckmann, left, and Army Spc. Brady Dresden, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, inspect brush used by illegal aliens for concealment near Laredo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025. JTF-SB executes full-scale, agile and all-domain operations in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the territorial integrity of the United States and achieve 100% operational control of the southern border. © Army Sgt. Logan Ubaldo Lechuga
Within the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector—responsible for overseeing 268 miles of the border in Texas and New Mexico—this integrated approach has proven beneficial. “The Border Patrol in El Paso focuses on collaboration with various agencies and the Department of War’s JTF-SB to enhance border security, particularly against hostile drones,” remarked Walter N. Slosar, chief patrol agent for the El Paso Sector. He noted that the enhanced detection capabilities from the partnership allow for a comprehensive method to track, identify, and mitigate aerial threats.
Army Capt. Maria L. L. Salcido, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, and U.S. Border Patrol agents observe the implementation of Army Strykers along the Rio Grande river near Laredo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025. © Army Sgt. Logan Ubaldo Lechuga
JTF-SB and U.S. Border Patrol are dedicated to fortifying this essential partnership and fostering ongoing innovation to counter evolving threats. This collaboration not only underscores the importance of a unified approach to national security but also serves as a model for future interagency cooperation in various security domains. As they continue to adapt to emerging challenges, the commitment to working together remains a cornerstone of their strategy.
Soldiers assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, under Joint Task Force Southern Border, conduct a joint patrol alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents near Chula Vista, Calif., May 7, 2025. During this operation, the team observed the terrain for any signs of illegal border crossings and suspicious movement. © Army Sgt. Kimberly Villigran
