Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the southern border Monday for the first time since taking his post. His visit comes as encounters with immigrants at the southern border have decreased by 93%,

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's first trip since taking office will be to the United States' border with Mexico on Monday, in the latest sign that fortifying the border will be a priority for the Pentagon under President Donald Trump.

In a news release posted on Facebook, Joint Task Force North said Hegseth will visit Fort Bliss on Monday, Feb. 3 and the local area "to see the efforts of military men and women are undertaking in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection activities to secure the border." Media advisory from the Joint Task Force North Public Affairs Office.

The 51-50 decision came after three Republicans voted against Hegseth. Vice President JD Vance had to cast the tiebreaking vote.

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, was confirmed as the new Secretary of Defense after Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. Hegseth faced a sexual assault allegation and questions about his past.

The secretary of defense has been accused of alcohol abuse and various forms of misconduct — allegations he has denied.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will visit Fort Bliss and the southern border on Monday, Feb. 3, Fort Bliss announced. Hegseth will visit Joint Task Force North, which is headquartered at Fort Bliss.