California National Guard partners with Mexico in shared security effort

A new partnership between the California National Guard and Mexican National Defense Secretariat (DEFENSA) was announced last week, meant to enhance border security, expand on shared economic interests and share military expertise.

The State Partnership Program is part of a U.S. Department of Defense security cooperation initiative that pairs state National Guards with other countries to build long-term relationships. California also has National Guard Partnerships with Ukraine and Nigeria.

“California’s National Guard has a proud record of increasing public safety and answering the call to help our neighbors - and today we’re taking that commitment even further,” said Governor Gavin Newsom in a statement. “This partnership with Mexico’s military leadership is a smart, collaborative approach to further cement our mutual values and advance the prosperity of all Californians. It’s what our soldiers should be doing - not policing our streets.”

California’s National Guard has been the center of a nationwide back-and-forth stemming from President Donald Trump’s deployment of troops against Newsom’s wishes this past summer. Since Trump has deployed National Guard troops to various Democrat-run states, including Oregon and Illinois.

This week, after a six-month legal battle, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ordered the administration to return over 300 California National Guard troops still under its control, back under the control of the governor by Dec. 15. Breyer said the administration did not prove the protests in L.A. justified taking control of the Guard.

According to a formal letter of intent, the partnership will see the Cal Guard working with DEFENSA to protect the border, train for certain coordinated operations and collaborate on cyber security, among other things. A special focus will also be put on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

DEFENSA could not be reached for comment on the initiative.

The partnership will build on existing cooperation efforts between California’s Office of Emergency Services and the Mexican states of Baja California and Baja California Sur. During the historic fires in January, the Mexican military sent its own firefighters and disaster relief workers to help the state’s first responders.

California and Mexico’s deep historic ties and geographic proximity have led to over 12 million Mexican individuals living in the state, as of the 2020 census. As of 2024, Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California, making up nearly 40% of the state’s population and making California the state with the largest Latino and Hispanic population.

For decades, Mexican migrant workers have been coming to California to work in agriculture, a business that, as of 2022, contributed to nearly $56 billion in sales for the state. In 2023, 95% of H2-A holders (temporary work visas) were Mexican.

Mexico is also the state’s largest export market and is the second largest two-way trade partner with California, totaling nearly $98 billion in trade.

Given the deep bond between the state and Mexico, state leaders view this new partnership as a natural extension of the existing relationship.

“The California National Guard is extremely proud to partner with the Mexican National Defense Secretariat under the State Partnership Program,” said CalGuard Major General and Adjutant General Matt Beevers in a statement. “This partnership will strengthen the already robust ties between California and Mexico, enhancing security cooperation and economic prosperity across North America. California’s relationship with Mexico transcends our shared border and culture, driven by strong economic, environmental, and infrastructure ties.”