FORT BLISS, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division is set to assume command of Joint Task Force–Southern Border (JTF-SB) from the 101st Airborne Division this spring, marking a significant transition in the Department of Defense’s ongoing support to border security operations.

Headquartered at Fort Bliss, Texas, the 1st Armored Division will lead the mission from Fort Huachuca, Arizona, under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, according to officials.

The task force is responsible for conducting full-scale, agile, and all-domain operations in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enhance security and maintain the territorial integrity of the United States along the southern border.

As part of the transition, elements from the division’s Combat Aviation Brigade and Division Sustainment Brigade will deploy to support the mission. Soldiers will operate not only from Fort Huachuca but also across multiple locations spanning the nearly 2,000-mile southern border, according to federal officials.

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JTF-Southern Border’s primary role is to assist CBP through enhanced detection and monitoring efforts. Under authorities granted in March 2025, service members are permitted to conduct mobile, ground-based surveillance using military tactical vehicles and foot patrols. Their responsibilities include detecting, tracking, and observing suspected illegal activity.

Officials said military personnel assigned to the mission do not perform law enforcement duties and are not involved in immigration enforcement actions such as deportations, which remain under the jurisdiction of agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, emphasized the significance of the mission for his Soldiers.

We are honored to assume command of this mission,” Taylor said. “For most of living memory, our Soldiers have fought for the freedom and security of our allies abroad, but now we have been asked to defend our own borders. This mission resonates with the Soldiers of 1st Armored Division because the borderland is our home.

Taylor added that the division is committed to executing the mission with professionalism and respect for the communities along the border.

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