**Senate Approves Deployment of US Troops in Baja California Sur**
On March 19, 2025, the Senate unanimously granted permission for 155 members of the United States Marine Corps from the Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) to enter Mexico. These troops are set to participate in “Exercise Fénix 2025,” an amphibious training operation highlighting the cooperative efforts between the two nations. The exercise will take place from March 24 to April 23 at the Regional Training Center Number 4 (CENERAG-4) on Isla Santa Margarita in Baja California Sur.
The exercise, proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, aims to enhance tactical coordination, foster international relations, and showcase Mexico’s strategic capabilities. The drills are divided into three phases, focusing on improving amphibious response skills essential for maritime defense and internal security.
Senatorial support emphasized the significance of this exercise as a means to boost military readiness and improve interoperability between Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) and US forces. The operation will involve surface, land, and air exercises designed to enhance logistical coordination and the compatibility of command, control, and communication systems.
Additionally, the Senate authorized 53 Mexican Marines aboard the logistic support ship ARM “Isla Tiburón” to exit national waters, facilitating the transport of US troops from Isla Santa Margarita to Camp Pendleton, California, and returning by April 6.
Separately, the government has requested Senate approval for another training session, the “Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET),” to take place in April and May. This effort will involve further collaboration between US and Mexican military forces, expanding the region’s defense expertise.
**Secondary Article: Additional Military Collaboration Set for 2025**
Further military cooperation between the US and Mexico is slated for 2025, emphasizing joint training and operational interoperability. The proposed “Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET)” will run from April 7 to May 15 in various Mexican military centers. It outlines the continued collaboration to enhance the technical and tactical proficiencies of both nations’ forces.
In February, the Senate also approved the entry of a small team of US Special Forces into Mexico to support naval training. This team will operate at the San Luis Carpizo training facility in Campeche, supporting Mexican Marines in specialized infantry training until the end of March.
Such military exchanges underscore the deepening military partnership between the two countries, focusing on shared security interests and strengthening Defense relations in the region.