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California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed military leaders from Mexico’s National Defense Secretariat (DEFENSA) to Sacramento as part of a growing partnership between the two governments. The visit, which involved nearly a dozen Mexican officials, included briefings and hands-on demonstrations of California’s public safety and emergency management capabilities.
“The collaboration between California and Mexico reflects our shared commitment to safety, preparedness, and mutual values,” Newsom said. “The California National Guard has a proven record of protecting Californians and supporting our neighbors in times of need. This partnership strengthens our ability to respond to natural disasters and combat transnational threats.”
During the visit, California National Guard personnel showcased Army and Air Force aircraft used in emergency response operations. Displayed equipment included Black Hawk helicopters for counter-drug and all-hazards operations, Pave Hawk long-range mission rescue helicopters, the MQ-9 Reaper drone for wildfire monitoring and situational awareness, and C-130 aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) for wildfire suppression. Officials also highlighted the Guard’s F-15 fighter jet, emphasizing its role in safeguarding U.S. airspace.
The partnership builds on a letter of intent signed in late 2025 between the California National Guard and DEFENSA. The agreement aims to enhance border security, strengthen economic ties, and promote the exchange of military expertise. It falls under the U.S. Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, which pairs state National Guards with foreign militaries to foster long-term relationships through disaster response, civil-military cooperation, and other security initiatives. California currently maintains similar partnerships with Nigeria and Ukraine.
California and Mexico share a 140-mile border and face many of the same challenges, including natural disasters and transnational crime. The Cal Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, with more than 400 deployed personnel statewide, works at ports of entry and in communities to intercept illegal drugs and dismantle criminal networks. Governor Newsom cited the seizure of over 35,065 pounds of fentanyl and more than 51.8 million fentanyl pills since 2021, with a street value exceeding $498 million.
The partnership also emphasizes disaster preparedness. Both regions are vulnerable to earthquakes, wildfires, and climate-related emergencies. Cal Guard personnel participate in operations such as Task Force Rattlesnake, which involves over 400 servicemembers working alongside CAL FIRE to prevent and fight wildfires. Mexican military units and specialized disaster response teams recently assisted California authorities during January wildfires, underscoring the value of cross-border cooperation.
Economic and cultural ties between California and Mexico further strengthen the partnership. Mexico is California’s largest export market, with total two-way trade valued at $97.8 billion, second only to China. Mexican-owned businesses in California support more than 13,800 jobs, and nearly 40% of Cal Guard personnel identify as Latino or Hispanic. Since 2019, the two governments have signed seven memorandums of understanding to formalize cooperation in security, disaster response, and economic development.
Officials said the collaboration provides opportunities for knowledge exchange, enabling both California and Mexico to improve public safety, combat organized crime, and respond more effectively to natural disasters. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to safety, resilience, and cross-border cooperation.
