U.S. military personnel deployed along the southern border are now authorized to conduct patrols in Stryker armored vehicles, marking a significant shift in the role of troops supporting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.

This change, announced by U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), aims to bolster “enhanced detection and monitoring” efforts as illegal border crossings and smuggling activity continue to challenge national security.

The development follows a March 1 order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who directed approximately 2,400 soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to deploy to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Less than three weeks later, on March 20, Hegseth expanded their mission by authorizing troops to assist CBP with greater mobility and visibility along the border.

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This authorization now allows service members to move beyond stationary security positions and utilize tactical military vehicles, including Strykers, for patrol operations in designated border zones.

These patrols can also involve transporting CBP agents through difficult or remote terrain, increasing both reach and responsiveness in vulnerable areas.

Stryker vehicles, known for their versatility and speed, are eight-wheeled armored carriers capable of transporting up to 11 personnel and reaching top speeds of 60 miles per hour.

Certain variants of the Stryker include remote weapon systems, such as a .50 caliber machine gun or a MK19 grenade launcher, enhancing their utility in a variety of operational scenarios.

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“The unique military capabilities and equipment such as 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s Stryker armored vehicles can be more effectively utilized by Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) while working with CBP to achieve operational control of the border,” the NORTHCOM news release stated.

Currently, more than 10,000 U.S. service members have been deployed or approved for deployment to support border security operations.

However, these troops remain bound by strict legal limitations due to their status under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which prohibits federal military personnel from performing law enforcement duties such as apprehending or detaining individuals.

“Any law enforcement actions to apprehend individuals suspected of illegal entry must be conducted only by non-DoW law enforcement personnel and National Guard personnel in a non-federalized status accompanying these patrols,” NORTHCOM clarified.

In other words, while troops may assist in detecting and tracking suspicious activity, any arrests or seizures must be executed by CBP agents or National Guard troops operating under state authority.

To ensure compliance with the law, service members assigned to Joint Task Force – Southern Border have received specialized training on the legal boundaries of their mission, particularly concerning surveillance and monitoring operations.

CBP agents will be actively engaged with or near military patrols to provide the law enforcement presence necessary to take action when required.

“CBP agents will be ‘on-hand or nearby’ during patrols to perform any required law enforcement activity,” said Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of NORTHCOM.

Regarding troop safety, U.S. forces operating on the border will carry their standard-issue weapons in accordance with established military policies.

However, certain tactical tasks may not permit every service member to be armed during patrols. In those instances, NORTHCOM ensures protective measures remain in place.

“If the tactical task prohibits carrying of a weapon, an armed overwatch position will provide protection,” said Marine Col. Kelly Frushour, a spokesperson for NORTHCOM. “As always, U.S. forces retain the right to self-defense.”

The decision to employ Strykers and similar vehicles for border patrol represents a significant shift in posture for the Department of War, signaling a more proactive and flexible support role in addressing ongoing challenges at the southern border.

While the legal framework continues to prevent military personnel from engaging directly in enforcement, the enhanced mobility and technological capabilities they bring may serve as a critical force multiplier for CBP agents facing complex threats, including human trafficking and drug smuggling.

As the situation on the southern border remains a top priority for federal agencies, this integration of advanced military equipment and trained personnel reflects an evolving approach to border security—one that balances operational effectiveness with legal and constitutional safeguards.

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