A brigade of U.S. soldiers is stationed along the Arizona section of the U.S.-Mexico border as part of an initiative to enhance military presence in the area. This deployment is part of a broader strategy authorized by President Trump to secure the border, which spans 1,044 miles of challenging terrain.

Colonel Hugh Jones leads the brigade, which is tasked with guarding the border wall. In April, President Trump granted the military control over a strip of public land along the southern border. "Because we can't brute force the border or just occupy by force, we try to drive that in the smartest way we can, using a lot of the capabilities we would use in warfare," Jones stated.

The duration of the soldiers' deployment remains uncertain, as President Trump has not provided a specific timeline. To support the mission, Chinook helicopters have delivered heavy equipment, and thousands of active-duty troops have been dispatched to reinforce border security.

Major General Scott Naumann oversees American forces at the border and commands the Army's 10th Mountain Division, known for its rapid response capabilities. "Basically, I synchronize all different capabilities and resources to overpower an enemy," Naumann explained. "What I'm doing here is really no different. ... We're not firing lethal weapons, but we're solving a problem."

The soldiers are employing various methods to secure the border, including the installation of barbed wire, conducting strategic patrols, and utilizing surveillance technology both in the air and on the ground. Army Sergeant Ana Harker and Specialist Austin Waters are among those monitoring the area closely. Harker noted that their primary responsibility is to observe the border and report any crossings to Border Patrol. In the last three months, they have only encountered four individuals attempting to cross. "We see a lot of animals," Waters added, highlighting the limited human activity in the area.