UPDATE - Pentagon chief visits US troops at southern border

ADDS MORE REMARKS FROM DEFENSE SECRETARY

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - New Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth visited US troops at the southern border Monday.

On his first trip as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth visited Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where troops are helping to control immigration, and the US-Mexico border to witness efforts by the US military to fortify barriers.

"It was an honor to meet the troops engaged in securing our southern border. They are the backbone of our nation’s security,” he said on X.

"Their dedication to service and unequalled courage safeguard the freedoms we hold dear. We are grateful for all you and your families sacrifice," he added.

Separately, he received a briefing on homeland defense and security priorities at the southern border.

Last month, President Donald Trump ordered 1,500 troops to the US-Mexico border as he signed an executive order banning the entry of what he called "aliens engaged in an invasion of the United States through the southern border."

Hegseth also shared his interview with Fox News along with Border Czar Tom Homan on X, where he said the Pentagon is prepared to provide "any assets necessary" to help secure the border.

"We've seen thousands of active-duty and National Guard troops come to the border with additional assets and systems that allow us to surveil," he was quoted as saying, according to the Pentagon’s website.

Turning to the recent announcement by Mexico that it has agreed to cooperate with enforcement operations from that country's side of the border, Hegseth said "we now have 10,000 Mexican troops that are going to be patrolling on the other side of the border."

Asked about the housing of migrants or deportees on military bases, he said the Department of Defense has numerous options available.

"Any assets necessary at the Defense Department to support the expulsion and detention of those in our country illegally (are) on the table, to include — as has been widely reported — Guantanamo Bay," Hegseth said, referring to the Pentagon's intent to house up to 30,000 migrants at the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.