Additional Coverage:
- US Coast Guard launches ‘unprecedented’ anti-immigration campaign on Rio Grande river (irishstar.com)
Coast Guard Bolsters Rio Grande Presence with “Operation River Wall”
The U.S. Coast Guard is significantly increasing its presence along a crucial 260-mile stretch of the Rio Grande River in southeastern Texas, a key part of the U.S.-Mexico border. This intensified effort, dubbed “Operation River Wall,” will see a surge in boat patrols, according to an official statement from the USCG.
Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, acting commander of the Coast Guard, emphasized the agency’s expertise in maritime operations.
“U.S. Coast Guard is the best in the world at tactical boat operations and maritime interdiction at sea, along our coasts, and in riverine environments,” Lunday stated.
He further added, “Through Operation River Wall, the Coast Guard is controlling the U.S. southern border along the Rio Grande River in eastern Texas.” The strategy involves deploying more tactical teams and resources to combat potential drug smuggling.
Since the Trump administration, the Coast Guard has reportedly tripled its patrols and presence along the southern border, including several surge operations on the West Coast. A March press release indicated that the Coast Guard has “diverted aircraft, cutters, small boats and crews under its operational control to the southern border, increasing the illegal alien apprehension rates by 75% with multiple smuggling attempts continuing to occur each night.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Operation River Wall as an “unprecedented mobilization” of Coast Guard vessels in a statement released Monday. While the exact number of resources remains undisclosed, DHS revealed the operation is “beginning” with over 100 boats and hundreds of personnel.
The Coast Guard confirmed that resources have been positioned along the Rio Grande since October 9th. “President Trump delivered the most secure southern border in U.S. history in record time, and now, our goal is to make sure it stays that way for the long run,” Noem declared.
“Now, Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande and Operation River Wall will be a force multiplier in defending against illegal immigration,” she added.
Noem’s announcement comes amidst recent criticism regarding her purchase of two $172 million aircraft for her and other officials’ travel during a government shutdown that has furloughed thousands of federal workers. Public documents reveal the U.S.
Coast Guard executed a contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on Friday to acquire two G700 aircraft. In a statement, the Coast Guard explained these planes would replace aging aircraft, some as old as 20 years, which were “experiencing several unplanned maintenance issues.”
However, some Democrats are questioning the high price tag of the luxury jets, arguing it doesn’t align with the funding requests made by the DHS and raising concerns about the source of the funds. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro and Rep.
Lauren Underwood penned a letter to Noem, stating, “This contract award directly contradicts the acquisition strategy and operational needs for the USCG’s Long Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA) fleet, as outlined by your Department to the Committee in May and again in September.” The letter further criticized, “Worse, it reflects a continuing trend of self-aggrandizement in your tenure as Secretary.
Your first priority should be to organize, train, and equip a Coast Guard that is strong enough to meet today’s mission requirements. Instead, it appears your first priority is your own comfort.”