Mexican Border Defense Medal Ceremony Held at the Pentagon
On July 27, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth awarded the Mexican Border Defense Medal to 50 U.S. service members. The ceremony at the Pentagon highlighted the administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration.
During the event, Hegseth emphasized the priority of protecting the homeland and securing the border as central to the Department of War under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
“From Day 1, operationally, this department, this building, these services rushed, surged down to the border to stop the invasion of our southern border, which is truly what it was,” he stated.
He praised the collaboration between law enforcement and military personnel in effectively reducing illegal migration.
“That’s why, for over a year, there’s been effectively zero illegals crossing our border…especially on the national defense areas,” Hegseth claimed.
In contrast, under President Joe Biden, millions of undocumented immigrants have entered the country, prompting Trump to focus on border security and the deportation of illegal aliens during his campaign.
The Mexican Border Defense Medal was introduced in August 2025 to honor service members deployed at the U.S.-Mexico border, as noted by the U.S. Army.
Hegseth clarified that this medal is a revival, not a new initiative, revamping the Mexican Service Medal that was established over a century ago.
“Like so many great things—like the name Department of War—it’s not a new thing. It’s a restoration, it’s a reestablishment,” he remarked. “This…Mexican Border Defense Medal was established in 1918 to stop other incursions and invasions. So, we’re not creating something new; we actually revived the exact same medal from 1918 to be given to all of you.”
Hegseth stressed the critical nature of maintaining a secure border, pointing out the adverse impact of foreign criminal organizations on American citizens.
“The cartels are having to deal with the reality that they can’t cross our border and can’t bring the drugs and the death and the human trafficking that they brought for far too long that killed way too many Americans,” he added.
