Mexico deploys 500 officers to safeguard U.S. holiday travelers crossing the border

A massive security operation unfolds as millions of Mexican-Americans make the emotional journey home. Will this year’s holiday crossings be the safest yet?

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 9:15 AM

1 min read

In this picture we can see the group of officers who are wearing cap, shirt, bulletproof jackets,... — In this picture we can see the group of officers who are wearing cap, shirt, bulletproof jackets, watch, trouser and shoe. They are walking on the road. On the right we can see a truck which is parked near to the fencing. In the background we can see the buildings, trees, plants, poles and the banners. In the top right corner there is a bridge.

Mexico deploys 500 officers to safeguard U.S. holiday travelers crossing the border

Mexican authorities have launched a major security operation to protect U.S. residents visiting family over the holidays. Over 500 officers will patrol highways and monitor surveillance cameras across key routes. The initiative aims to ensure safe travel for the thousands expected to cross the border in the coming weeks.

Last year, more than 130,000 U.S. residents drove through the state of Chihuahua alone to visit relatives. This year, officials anticipate even higher numbers, with an estimated 1.8 million people of Mexican descent travelling from the U.S. during the holiday season. Many of these visitors originally came from states like Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Chihuahua itself.

The operation, running until January 8, will cover highways from the U.S.-Mexico border deep into the country. Officers will work alongside National Guard troops, army units, and municipal police in major cities. Surveillance teams will track thousands of cameras to respond quickly to emergencies.

Despite recent violence in southern regions, Chihuahua police have reassured travellers that the state remains safe. The effort reflects the scale of cross-border family ties, with 37 million people of Mexican descent living in the U.S.—11 million of them born in Mexico.

The security push comes as holiday travel peaks, with millions making the journey south. Authorities will maintain patrols and monitoring until early January. The operation highlights the close connections between Mexican communities on both sides of the border.