Dozens of Marines are now stationed at a Border Patrol station in eastern San Diego County, marking a significant shift in military involvement at the southern border. According to CalMatters, the Marines are patrolling the border in Campo twice a day, a departure from their previous supporting role due to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
President Trump has described the situation at the border as “an invasion” and has used military forces in unprecedented ways to address it. This move comes amid increased immigration enforcement across California, with reports of Border Patrol agents chasing farmworkers and using unmarked cars in urban areas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the deployment, calling it “mission creep.” In a statement, Newsom’s spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo said, “We believe in strong border security, but this campaign is not about security—it’s about fear.” She expressed concerns about the safety of law enforcement, soldiers, and the community.
The Marines’ presence in Campo follows the deployment of 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton to other border areas, including Imperial Beach and Otay Mesa. Their tasks include detection, monitoring, logistics, and transportation support. However, the specifics of their operations remain unclear, and there is concern over potential legal issues related to the Posse Comitatus Act.
The deployment is part of a broader military buildup at the border, which has seen an increase in barriers and surveillance over the past three decades. The number of military personnel supporting the Border Patrol now exceeds 10,000, with additional forces being mobilized as needed.
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