Archive · 18 Dec 2025
US Troops Face Substandard Conditions on Mexico Border
Some soldiers in the US Army who are helping with border security in Texas and New Mexico are living in very bad conditions.
The places where they stay have problems like leaking sewage, broken toilets, and not enough space.
The soldiers also mentioned that the air conditioning doesn't work and there are electrical issues.
The people in charge have been told about these problems and they need to fix them quickly.
The soldiers are part of a big group of about 2,400 people who were sent to help with border control.
US Army troops deployed to the southern border are living in substandard conditions with leaking raw sewage and non-functional toilets.
The issues were reported by the Pentagon's Inspector General in a document published on Wednesday.
Troops affected are part of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Dona Ana Range Complex, New Mexico.
Some soldiers are housed in barracks with as little as 45 square feet of living space, less than the required 72 square feet.
The Inspector General's office has notified US Northern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Border about the health and safety concerns.
- Who
- US Army troops, specifically the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
- What
- Substandard living conditions including leaking raw sewage, non-functional toilets, and inadequate living space
- When
- Conditions observed during a report published on Wednesday
- Where
- Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Dona Ana Range Complex, New Mexico
- Why
- Troops were deployed to assist Customs and Border personnel along the southern border
- Troops Affected
- 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (Colorado unit)
- Deployment Locations
- Fort Bliss, Texas and Dona Ana Range Complex, New Mexico
- Number of Soldiers
- 2,400
- Issues Reported
- Leaking raw sewage, non-functional toilets, unsanitary conditions, inadequate living space
- Required Living Space
- 72 square feet per soldier
- Reported Living Space
- As little as 45 square feet per soldier
- Reporting Body
- Pentagon's Inspector General
- Response Time for Comments
- 30 days