President Trump’s administration is stepping up its war on illegal immigration and drug trafficking with military might. The USS Spruance, a heavily armed Navy destroyer fresh from fighting Houthi rebels, has now been deployed to secure America’s southern border.
At a glance:
- The USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has been deployed to the southern US border
- This is the second Navy destroyer sent to the border, following the USS Gravely’s earlier deployment
- Both warships will be accompanied by US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments
- The deployment aims to combat illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and maritime terrorism
- The ships previously fought Houthi rebels in the Red Sea before being reassigned to border security
Navy Firepower Heads to the Border
The United States Navy has deployed a second warship to America’s southern border as part of President Trump’s comprehensive strategy to secure the nation against illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer equipped with significant firepower, departed from Naval Base San Diego to join border security operations.
And if you want an idea of the kind of epic war ships we’re sending, take a look at this incredible video of the USS Spruance launching missiles from five years ago:
The deployment follows the recent assignment of another destroyer, the USS Gravely, to the same mission, creating a formidable naval presence along America’s southern maritime boundary. Both vessels were previously engaged in critical operations in the Red Sea, where they successfully countered missile and drone attacks from Houthi rebels before being reassigned to protect American sovereignty.
Navy deploys additional warship to curb illegal immigration, drug smuggling at the southern border https://t.co/dh1db1SjOM pic.twitter.com/EA5SRIzYKt
— New York Post (@nypost) March 23, 2025
Enhanced Border Security Operations
The deployment significantly expands America’s capabilities to combat maritime-based terrorism, weapons smuggling, and transnational crime along the southern border. General Gregory Guillot, USNORTHCOM Commander, emphasized the strategic importance of this military reinforcement, stating: “USS Spruance’s deployment as part of US Northern Command’s southern border mission brings additional capability and expands the geography of unique military capabilities working with the Department of Homeland Security.”
Both destroyers will operate alongside specialized US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments, creating a joint force specifically designed for interdiction operations at sea. The vessels are equipped with vertical launch systems, sophisticated guns, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, providing a substantial deterrent against cartels and smugglers attempting to breach American territorial waters.
Part of a Comprehensive Border Strategy
The naval deployments represent a crucial component of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to restore America’s territorial integrity and border security. General Guillot emphasized this point, stating: “This is an important step in the whole-of-government efforts to seal the southern border and maintain U.S. sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Air Force Lt. Gen Alexus Grynkewich highlighted the vessels’ mission, noting they would be “involved in the interdiction mission for any of the drugs and whatnot that are heading in.” The deployment aligns with a Presidential Executive Order directing the Department of Defense to take decisive action in supporting border control operations across all domains.
