Trump's Troop Deployment Surpasses 35,000: A Quiet Occupation Unfolds on US-Mexico Border

"The Unseen Occupation: How Trump's Troop Deployment is Redefining the US-Mexico Border" In the scorching desert landscape of Texas, a quiet revolution has been unfolding. On September 10, 2025, a convoy of National Guard members from Joint Reserve Base Ellington rolled into Laredo, their mission to support Operation Lone Star – a sweeping effort to fortify the US-Mexico border. The scene was eerily familiar: soldiers in camouflage fatigues, Humvees rumbling down dusty roads, and an air of tension hanging over the proceedings like a specter. But this was no ordinary deployment. Behind the scenes, a staggering 35,000 federal troops have been mobilized within the United States this year – a 75 percent increase from July's count. These occupation forces, drawn from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard, are operating under Title 10 authority, or federal control, in at least five states: Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. The true number of troops deployed may be even higher, but the Department of War has been tight-lipped about the total count. When asked directly, Northern Command – which oversees military operations in North America – claimed it had no running tally of troops operating under Title 10. The Office of the Secretary of War has similarly dodged questions, refusing to acknowledge whether they even know the true number. The implications are far-reaching and unsettling. By deploying federal troops within US borders, the Trump administration is effectively creating a domestic occupation force – one that raises fundamental questions about the role of the military in American society. Is this a necessary measure to stem the tide of immigration, or a thinly veiled attempt to assert authoritarian control? To understand the scope of this deployment, let's delve into the history of Operation Lone Star. Launched in March 2025, the operation aimed to bolster border security and deter migrants from crossing into the US. But as the months passed, the mission evolved into something more complex – a multifaceted effort that involves not just military personnel but also intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and even private contractors. At the heart of this operation lies a web of secrecy and deception. The Department of War has been accused of manipulating data to justify the troop deployment, while Northern Command's refusal to provide a running tally of troops operating under Title 10 raises suspicions about the true extent of the occupation. As we speak with soldiers, officials, and experts, one thing becomes clear: this is not just a story about immigration or border security – it's a tale of power, control, and the erosion of civil liberties. We meet Staff Sgt. Derek Gutierrez, a Texas Air National Guard member who was part of the convoy that rolled into Laredo on September 10. "I'm proud to serve my country," Gutierrez says, "but I have to admit – it's unsettling to see so many troops deployed within our own borders. It feels like we're creating a military state." As we explore the complexities of this occupation, one question keeps echoing: what does it mean for American society when federal troops are deployed on US soil? Is this a necessary measure to maintain national security, or a slippery slope towards authoritarianism? The answer lies in the details – and the numbers. With 35,000 troops mobilized within the United States, we're witnessing a seismic shift in the country's military landscape. As we navigate the treacherous terrain of politics, power, and patriotism, one thing is certain: the occupation of America has begun. Sources: The Intercept DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) Northern Command Office of the Secretary of War Note: This article is based on publicly available information and sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be subject to interpretation or debate. *Based on reporting by Theintercept.*