U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's first trip since taking office will be to the United States' border with Mexico on Monday, in the latest sign that fortifying the border will be a priority for the Pentagon under President Donald Trump.

Although active-duty troops have been sent to the border by administrations of both parties, including the Biden administration, visits by Defense secretaries are uncommon. In 2018, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border as the Trump administration considered another troop buildup there.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Border Czar Tom Homan held a press conference at the U.S.-Mexico border today, outlining the Trump administration’s comprehensive strategy to secure the southern border and combat illegal immigration.