Michigan National Guard's 1430th Engineer Company Deploys to Southern Border

Approximately 120 soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard's 1430th Engineer Company, based in Traverse City, are set to deploy to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist federal law enforcement agencies. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

A departure ceremony was held at Western Michigan University's Lawson Ice Arena in Kalamazoo, where family, friends, and community members gathered to bid farewell to the service members. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

Brigadier General Ravindra Wagh, assistant adjutant general and commander of the Michigan Army National Guard, addressed the soldiers, emphasizing their preparedness and dedication. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

The deployment is part of a federal mission to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations along the Southwest Border. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the 1430th Engineer Company will provide mission-enhancing support to CBP's border security efforts, enabling agents to focus on their law enforcement duties. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

This marks the sixth deployment of Michigan National Guard soldiers to the Southwest Border since 2020. Previous deployments were approved by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021, 2022, and 2024 under President Joe Biden, and in 2020 under President Donald Trump. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

The 1430th Engineer Company last deployed overseas in 2010, serving in Afghanistan. The current mission is expected to last up to a year. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office offers support and resources to service members and their families during deployments. For assistance, they can be reached at 1-888-MICH-FAM. ([michigan.gov](https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2025/10/16/deploy-to-southwest-border-to-support-federal-law-enforcement-mission?utm_source=openai))

 

As these soldiers embark on their mission, the community stands in support, recognizing their commitment to national security and the sacrifices made by both the service members and their families.