In a move to reinforce border security, the Pentagon has sent the USS Gravely, a Navy guided-missile destroyer, to patrol U.S. waters near Mexico. The deployment comes as part of President Donald Trump’s national security directive to curb illegal immigration and transnational crime.

The USS Gravely departed from Virginia over the weekend, heading toward its new mission under the U.S. Northern Command. The ship carries a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) to support operations targeting human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal maritime crossings.

We are finally stopping this DESTRUCTIVE INVASION ON OUR BORDER:

– Trump just deployed a Navy Destroyer Ship to the Border to deter illegals from crossing
– DHS announced SEVEN new miles of border wall in Arizona

Illegal entries HAVE GONE DOWN BY 95%! pic.twitter.com/M7SbrJMn9X

— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) March 17, 2025

“We are strengthening our ability to defend the nation’s orders from every possible threat,” said General Gregory Guillot, the commander of U.S. Northern Command. “With the USS Gravely at sea, we can respond to the growing dangers along the southern maritime routes.”

Guided Missile Destroyer USS Gravely heads to AMERICA'S southern border on 'Presidential executive order' — NorthCom

Gravely previously shot down Houthi cruise missile in Red Sea in 'closest encounter' yet from Yemeni attack

Is Trump dead serious on illegals? pic.twitter.com/V45GYOsIF5

— DocReQ (@DocReQIsBack) March 16, 2025

Law enforcement agencies have reported an uptick in illegal crossings by sea, a shift attributed to the administration’s tough land border policies. The Coast Guard has intercepted vessels carrying foreign nationals from countries including China, Russia, and Pakistan, raising national security concerns.

The USS Gravely previously served in the Middle East, intercepting Houthi-fired missiles in the Red Sea. Now, it will be stationed closer to home, where officials say its advanced radar and surveillance capabilities will provide crucial intelligence for interagency operations.

🚨NEW: Pentagon deploys Navy destroyer to secure Southern Border.

The USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer recently deployed to the Middle East, departed Saturday to secure the U.S. southern border.

I can’t imagine why.

Tick-tock cartels.

🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WjREFUaH12

— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) March 17, 2025

This deployment highlights a significant shift in the government’s approach to securing the border. While the Coast Guard has traditionally handled maritime enforcement, the addition of a Navy destroyer signals the administration’s determination to close off every entry point to illegal activity.

Defense officials have not specified how long the USS Gravely will remain in place, but its presence is expected to bolster ongoing efforts to disrupt smuggling networks operating along the U.S. coastline.