Brownsville, Mexico - Both the US and Mexico have deployed hundreds of troops to the border as part of "mirror operations" meant to signal more aggressive action against organized crime.

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Navy announced in a statement on Sunday that it had deployed 159 naval personnel, 11 vehicles, and two drones to the border with the US. The move came after Washington deployed 500 troops to the Texas border.

"These deployments are part of the mirror operations between both countries, which demonstrate their commitment to strengthening border security, improving detection capabilities, and safeguarding their respective sovereignty," read a statement put out by Mexico's government that has been translated from Spanish.

"The relationship between both countries is conducted through the four pillars of the Mexican Government's bi national policy: Respect for sovereignty, shared responsibility, mutual trust, and cooperation without subordination."

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The dramatic move came amid ongoing tensions between the US and Mexico over the latter's handling of organized crime and drug trafficking.

President Donald Trump's administration in Washington has been highly critical of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government, and has at times even threatened to deploy US forces in Mexican territory.

"It's very difficult to live next to a country with such a high level of illicit drug use," Sheinbaum said in September, responding to Trump's claim that Mexico is the "epicenter" of cartel violence. "It's very difficult to live next to a country that produces so many weapons."

"These actions are part of the broader border cooperation that has helped make our border the most secure in history," Ronald Johnson, the US' ambassador to Mexico, said of the recent troop deployments.

"These coordinated actions strengthen border security on both sides. By working in close coordination we are making it harder for cartels, terrorist organizations, and human smugglers to operate."