The Pentagon has announced the introduction of a new medal for American service members who have deployed to the southern border to support federal law enforcement efforts related to illegal immigration. This initiative aligns with the previous actions taken during President Trump’s administration aimed at strengthening border security.
The new award, called the Mexican Border Defense Medal, will replace the Armed Forces Service Medal for troops involved in operations with the Joint Task Force Southern Border. This update was communicated through a memo released by the Pentagon. A U.S. defense official confirmed its validity.
This new medal is intended to honor those who have been assigned to support the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) efforts since January 20. To qualify, service members must have been stationed within 100 nautical miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, covering areas in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California.
As part of the ongoing mission, around 8,500 military personnel are engaged with Joint Task Force Southern Border, focusing on security threats in the region. The task force has completed thousands of patrols since its inception in March.
Eligible service members must have been permanently assigned or attached to a unit that participated in this operation for at least 30 consecutive or non-consecutive days. Importantly, those who previously received the Armed Forces Service Medal for their service at the border can appeal to exchange it for the new medal, though they cannot hold both awards for the same service period.
This initiative highlights the Pentagon’s commitment to enhancing security along the southern border. The establishment of national defense areas has boosted U.S. troops’ ability to assist CBP, allowing them to detain individuals illegally crossing these designated lands. With increased monitoring and enforcement capabilities, military leaders are focusing on ensuring that security measures are effective and that trespassers are properly handled in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
