Nogales, AZ—Assemblyman Scott Gray, who represents New York’s 116th Assembly District along the northern border, visited the southern border on Friday, October 3, to observe firsthand the Joint Task Force–Southern Border (JTF-SB) operations. His visit underscored the importance of understanding both northern and southern border operations to ensure safe communities across the country.

The 10th Mountain Division, headquartered at Fort Drum, is currently commanding JTF-SB. This represents the first-of-its-kind integration of every branch of the armed services simultaneously alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The task force now coordinates operations with CBP across all nine sectors on the southern border, which previously operated more vertically and independently. In a short time, JTF-SB has operationalized this new model in a horizontal, cohesive, mission-driven manner.

Assemblyman Gray noted that the results have been extraordinary: thousands of coordinated patrols, named operations, and reinforced infrastructure across the nearly 2,000-mile border have improved outcomes and strengthened community safety. The number of detections reduced by 95%, apprehensions reduced by 98%, and got-aways reduced by 99%, with confirmed interdiction rates improving significantly to 98%. These daily joint missions are producing tangible results. JTF-SB has demonstrated the impact of unified leadership and integrated operations.

“This visit reinforced the extraordinary work being done by the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division and their partners in JTF-SB,” Gray said. “Their ability to operationalize such a complex mission in a short time — bringing together multiple service branches and federal partners — is remarkable in a type of mission never before stood up.”

“At every stop, they provided an opportunity to express gratitude for their service, accomplishments, and dedication to keeping our communities safe,” Gray continued.

The day’s itinerary included an office call with Major General Naumann, a command briefing, walkthroughs of the Joint Operations Center and Nogales USBP Station, a border orientation flight, and direct engagement with soldiers and CBP personnel. Assemblyman Gray joined 10th Mountain personnel on a Blackhawk flight along the border while they briefed MG Gardner. MG Gardner is commanding general for the 101st Airborne Division and will assume command of the JTF-SB.

“The leadership role of the 10th Mountain Division at JTF-SB highlights Fort Drum’s importance not only to the North Country, but to the entire nation,” Gray added.