Last Monday, in a striking display of military presence, Marines were busy reinforcing the border wall in Campo, California, where the thumping rhythms of Peso Pluma’s music echoed down from a blue boom lift.
As two Marines tightened three strands of barbed wire around notched posts previously welded to the border wall, their surroundings revealed both the proactive and contentious nature of U.S. border security efforts.
The Marines, with safety harnesses secured, maneuvered the heavy machinery along the 30-foot bollards, while the wire trailed beneath them, illustrating the intricate operations underway.
From below, one Marine shouted a friendly jibe at a colleague guiding the boom lift, highlighting a camaraderie amid the rigorous tasks.
Overshadowing the scene was another Marine stationed in a nearby bush, gun in hand, ensuring the safety of the troops amid the challenging desert landscape.
A short distance away, an additional group of Marines was busy uncoiling concertina wire to be layered on top of the freshly installed barbed wire, indicative of the ongoing military efforts to fortify the border.
This marked one of the final days of Task Force Sapper’s operations in Campo, as active military troops engaged in border reinforcement—a practice that has become somewhat uncommon in recent years.
Those familiar with the area noted the military’s heightened presence reminiscent of National Guard operations seen earlier during President Donald Trump’s administration, but this active-duty initiative had its own distinct character.
According to a Department of Defense official, Marines of Task Force Sapper had successfully completed work in the “priority areas” of the San Diego sector, with plans to return to Imperial Beach.
In addition, over 50 miles of concertina wire was reported to have been installed across Imperial Beach and Otay Mesa, with nearly 8 miles added in Tecate and Campo—marking a substantial military commitment to border security.
While stationed in Campo, the troops had set up camp in a former Border Patrol station, where locals observed that initial heat left them largely unprotected from the elements.
As time went on, the Marines appeared to adapt, implementing new shade cloth to provide relief from the relentless desert sun.
Despite their arduous work, Marines were not permitted to discuss their experiences with visiting onlookers.
An image captured by Brittany Cruz-Fejeran depicted a Marine’s wrist and hand injured, suggesting the rigorous physical demands of their labor.
The additions of a taller border wall and concertina wire have not successfully prevented migrants from attempting to cross, but they have heightened the risks, resulting in significant injuries for individuals pursuing a new life in the U.S.
Local resident Karen Parker, who has provided medical assistance to migrants, expressed her distress regarding the situation, stating, “This feels bad. You feel the energy out here. This makes my stomach hurt. This is my home.”
Around 11:30 a.m., the troops concluded their work for the morning, packing into vans from a George-based company, BusMax Rent-A-Bus, heading back to their camp for a much-needed respite.
As they rolled along a gravel road passing a sign insisting, “Keep building the wall,” it became evident that their deployment had garnered mixed reactions from nearby businesses.
A local grocery store employee noted that military presence positively impacted business, particularly due to the troops’ need to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
In the afternoon, the Marines returned to the site, donning protective gear for a second session of work.
Within an hour, they successfully stretched barbed wire across seven posts, continuing their meticulous reinforcement efforts.
As a crow soared overhead searching for a place to land, it settled on a portion of the border wall lacking concertina wire, a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles in the area.
During this military operation, Border Patrol agents maintained a steady presence, occasionally driving by on the gravel road parallel to the border barrier.
Morgan Snyder, a property owner adjacent to the wall along the Pacific Coast Trail, shared his perspective on the evolving nature of border security in the area.
He recounted a time when the border barrier consisted of shorter Vietnam War-era landing mats before President Donald Trump initiated the construction of the taller wall now in place.
Snyder noted that former President Joe Biden completed the project, and he revealed a preference for the conduct of the Marines compared to contractors involved in the wall’s construction.
Despite acknowledging their respectful behavior, Snyder conveyed his reservations regarding the military’s involvement.
“I don’t think the work is a good use of the military’s time,” he stated, expressing his disapproval of the tall wall and surrounding concertina wire.
Reflecting on past incidents, he mentioned that previous rows of concertina wire were repeatedly stolen, asserting, “The wire won’t work. People that live on the border know.”
In closing, Snyder expressed his wish that such barriers did not exist, adding emphatically, “100% yes.”
In Other News:
No chance at asylum: An investigation uncovered the fate of asylum seekers deported after President Trump’s entry into office, many fleeing legitimate risks.
Resettling in Mexico: With new U.S. policies, some migrants are opting to establish roots in Mexico, transforming their aspirations.
ICE arrests U.S. citizens: Three U.S. citizens faced arrest in Linda Vista for allegedly assaulting a federal agent while attempting to document an immigration enforcement operation.
Family separation: A poignant portrayal reveals the struggles of families confronting the deportation of loved ones.
Who is detained: Access to data regarding individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement is becoming available.
CBX update: A faster crossing procedure has been implemented for U.S. citizens at the airport border for pre-scanning documents.
Ambulance smugglers: Authorities reported multiple incidents of individuals attempting to enter the U.S. concealed inside ambulances, leading to arrests.
Immigration court arrests: A recent account followed several individuals detained by ICE after their immigration hearings in San Diego.
image source from：voiceofsandiego
