LOUISIANA (KLFY) -- Louisiana National Guard soldiers have just returned home from a four-month deployment at the United States, Texas border.

The 13 soldiers helped in Operation Lone Star. Their mission was to reduce illegal border crossings.

The soldiers arrived in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 15. They have since laid out more than 30,000 feet of anti-climb barrier.

"Texas had a need for engineers to assist with the construction and enhancement of the anti-climb barrier along the southwest border," Maj. Thomas Mushenski, the officer in charge, told News 10.

Engineers from the Louisiana National Guard’s 528th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade were entrusted with the mission.

"Here in Louisiana, we have an entire brigade of engineers. So, we definitely had the resources, in terms of manpower, available to help Texas in the battle against illegal immigration," Mushenski said.

Thirteen engineers constructed more than four miles of the anti-climb barrier. They also worked to fix more than 100 breaches.

"I had an opportunity to take a short boat ride on the Rio and see the fruits of our labor. I was amazed at how intimidating it looked," the office in charge added.

For many of the young soldiers, this was their first deployment. Mushinski said the first-time soldiers now bring back the skills they learned to help Louisiana and other states when they're needed.

"As the national guard, our focus should be on providing assistance anywhere in the nation where it's needed, not just our own state. Also, Louisiana has counted on support from other states to include Texas. It's always good to help out somebody else," Mushinski said.

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