The United States has dispatched 125 National Guard troops from Nevada to the border with Mexico to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. This initiative is part of the border surveillance efforts initiated by the administration of Donald Trump.
These troops belong to the 1859th Transportation Company of the Nevada Army National Guard, marking their first deployment in the decade since the unit's inception.
An official statement from the U.S. Army released on Wednesday, October 21, detailed that the soldiers will be responsible for ground operations, security support, and reconnaissance tasks, aiding federal agencies in monitoring the southern border.
The troops departed on Tuesday, October 20, from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, following a farewell ceremony held two days earlier at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Stead, Nevada.
Family members, friends, and high-ranking military officials gathered to bid farewell to the unit members as they embarked on their new mission. Brigadier General Randy Lau, commander of the Nevada National Guard's land component, expressed, “Soldiers, I am proud of you. Your families are proud of you. The great state of Nevada is proud of you. And our nation is counting on you.”
Captain Alecia Chandler, responsible for the company, emphasized the preparedness of her troops and expressed confidence in their ability to fulfill their assigned tasks.
Expanding the Role of a Transportation Unit
The 1859th Company, established in 2016, has primarily focused on transportation, logistics, and supporting other military units. Its members have also been mobilized for evacuation and security operations during fires and floods in northern Nevada.
This mission is part of the Joint Task Force-South Border (JTF-SB) activities, operating under the direction of the U.S. Northern Command in support of federal authorities. The statement did not specify which border sector the 125 Nevada troops will be operating in, nor did it indicate the length of their deployment.
Furthermore, it was not announced that these troops would be directly involved in the arrest or deportation of immigrants, which remain the responsibility of federal agencies.
Ongoing Military Reinforcements at the Border
This latest deployment adds to other military operations conducted in October along the U.S.-Mexico border. On October 3, the Northern Command announced the deployment of several hundred troops to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. NewsNation reported the contingent to be around 500 soldiers.
During that operation, U.S. Coast Guard personnel came under fire from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande while conducting surveillance operations, with no injuries reported among U.S. agents.
The reinforcement was announced under Operation Unified Resolve, part of the broader military strategy named Ardent Vanguard. This strategy includes deploying troops, surveillance assets, and military capabilities to support border security authorities.
The Joint Task Force-South Border was established in March 2025, coordinating military unit participation in support of DHS and CBP. The deployment of Nevada soldiers expands state units' involvement in this mission, though authorities have not clarified whether these recently sent troops will replace other soldiers or serve as a permanent additional reinforcement.
Key Questions about U.S. Military Deployment at the Mexico Border
What is the primary role of the 1859th Transportation Company in this deployment?
The 1859th Transportation Company will conduct ground operations, security support, and reconnaissance to aid federal agencies in monitoring the southern border.
Will the Nevada National Guard troops be involved in arresting or deporting immigrants?
No, the deployment does not entail direct involvement in arrests or deportations, which are duties of federal agencies.
What is Operation Unified Resolve?
Operation Unified Resolve is part of a broader military strategy, Ardent Vanguard, designed to support border security with troops and surveillance capabilities.