MIAMI — The United States Coast Guard announced Wednesday it will immediately deploy additional vessels, aircraft, and specialized forces to bolster maritime security along critical U.S. borders following executive orders from President Donald J. Trump aimed at curbing illegal migration and addressing border threats.
On Tuesday, Trump fired Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Linda Fagan.
The surge operation, described as a multi-front effort, focuses on several key areas, including the southeast maritime border around Florida, which has seen a significant rise in migration from Haiti and Cuba. Other areas targeted include the maritime borders around Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories such as Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Coast Guard said it would also focus on the maritime boundary between the Bahamas and south Florida, the southwest maritime border in the Pacific near Mexico, and portions of the Gulf of America along Texas. The effort is designed to detect and intercept illegal migration, drug smuggling, and potential security threats. “Together, in coordination with our Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense teammates, we will detect, deter and interdict illegal migration, drug smuggling and other terrorist or hostile activity before it reaches our border,” the Coast Guard said.
The announcement follows President Trump’s recently signed executive orders aimed at tightening border security and deterring unauthorized migration. Florida and the southeast region have seen an influx of migrants from the Caribbean in recent months, with the Coast Guard regularly intercepting overcrowded vessels attempting dangerous crossings.
The new operation also expands Coast Guard support for Customs and Border Protection on the southwest U.S. border, which includes maritime portions stretching from California to Texas. This effort underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging multiple federal agencies to secure the nation’s borders.