DOW Support to the Southern Border

National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia line the streets alongside civilian first responder partners during an honor escort as part of a dignified transfer in Washington, Jan. 8, 2026. The transfer honored Terry Bennett, a member of the Metropolitan Police Department, who was struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist on an interstate.

A soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border interacts with a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection during a joint patrol in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 31, 2025.

Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia conduct a presence patrol in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, Dec. 30, 2025. The mission provides assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department and other local partners to help maintain public safety for district residents, commuters and visitors.

A Marine assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border puts a post for a National Defense Area sign into the ground in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025. This marks the fifth such area established along the southern border.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia choose gifts provided by the group's care team during a holiday luncheon at the D.C. Armory in Washington, Dec. 23, 2025. About 2,700 guardsmen are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, helping law enforcement and community partners strengthen public safety, resilience and quality of life across the nation's capital.

Soldiers and airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission enjoy a luncheon in observation of the holiday season, Washington, Dec. 23, 2025. About 2,700 guardsmen are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, helping law enforcement and community partners strengthen public safety, resilience and quality of life across the nation's capital.

Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, awards the Joint Service Achievement Medal to Air Force Master Sgt. Noly Walker for providing critical coordination to the Office of the Commanding General as an aide-de-camp during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, Washington, Dec. 24, 2025.

Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, awards the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Army Sgt. Ian Johnson for meritorious service as a protective service agent to senior military leaders during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, Washington, Dec. 24, 2025.

Louisiana National Guardsmen select desserts during a holiday luncheon at the D.C. Armory in Washington, Dec. 23, 2025. About 2,700 guardsmen are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, helping law enforcement and community partners strengthen public safety, resilience and quality of life across the nation's capital.

Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, awards the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Air Force Capt. Joseph Meilak and Army Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe for meritorious service providing trauma assessment and other lifesaving aid to a member of the public during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, Washington, Dec. 24, 2025.

Army Sgt. Kearsten Jones, a South Carolina National Guard member, reenlists aboard a UH-72 Lakota helicopter in Washington, Dec. 18, 2025. About 2,400 National Guardsmen support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission to help the Metropolitan Police Department ensure the safety of district residents, workers and visitors.

Coast Guardsmen conduct unmanned aircraft systems training aboard the Cutter Robert Ward off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025. The training expands the crew's operational reach and sharpens response capabilities while saving time and resources.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Metz and Spc. Kobe Billman conduct a presence patrol near the Smithsonian Metro in Washington, Dec. 12, 2025. About 2,750 National Guardsmen support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the district.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Frank Blahut and Warrant Officer Carter Winters, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, prepare to land a Black Hawk helicopter at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Dec. 4, 2025, after completing a mission with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Solis, an Indiana National Guardsman assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia, fires an M17 pistol during a qualification range at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Dec. 3, 2025. Indiana guardsmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission are trained and qualified to support law enforcement organizations.

Army Col. Joseph Katz, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) deputy commanding officer for support, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, observes the southern border during a visit to El Paso, Texas, Dec. 1, 2025. Katz visited to gain on-ground insight into operations in that sector.

A soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border welds a post for barrier improvement at Fort Bliss, Texas, Dec. 1, 2025. The task force is supporting  U.S. Customs and Border Protection to achieve 100% operational control of the southern border.

Army National Guardsmen patrol a walkway in Washington, Nov. 21, 2025. About 2,400 guardsmen are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force mission, helping law enforcement and community partners strengthen public safety, resilience and quality of life in the nation's capital.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roman LucasJulian, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, operates an 850JR Medium Crawler Tractor during roadway improvement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Nov. 18, 2025.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tristan Deslatte, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, guides barbed wire as it is attached to the southern border barrier in Yuma, Ariz., Nov. 17, 2025.