U.S. military forces have been granted unprecedented authority to detain illegal immigrants along the southern border, marking a significant shift in America’s approach to border security and immigration enforcement.
Quick Takes
- The Trump administration has authorized U.S. military personnel to detain illegal immigrants crossing into the U.S. through a newly designated military zone in New Mexico.
- Nearly 110,000 acres of federal land along the border have been transferred from the Department of the Interior to the Army for border security operations.
- The New Mexico National Defense Area now functions as part of Fort Huachuca, giving military personnel expanded authority to search, detain, and implement crowd control measures.
- Over 10,000 service members are currently deployed along the southern border to support Customs and Border Protection efforts.
- The administration plans to expand this military jurisdiction to include more than 90 additional miles in Texas.
Military Granted New Authority at Southern Border
The U.S. Northern Command recently announced that military personnel assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border now have the authority to detain illegal immigrants entering through federal lands in New Mexico. This expanded role follows President Trump’s memorandum transferring control of the Roosevelt Reservation area from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Defense. The transferred land, a 60-foot-wide strip along the U.S.-Mexico border, has been reclassified as part of Arizona’s Fort Huachuca military installation, effectively creating the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA).
This strategic reclassification gives military personnel unprecedented authority to enforce immigration laws directly. Service members can now search individuals, provide medical assistance, implement crowd control measures, and detain trespassers until law enforcement arrives. They can also assist with setting up temporary barriers, signage, and fencing along the border. The scope of the transfer is substantial, with nearly 110,000 acres of federal land now under Army control for a period of three years.
🇺🇸 Fox News: US military personnel in a New Mexico National Defense Area near the southern border can now temporarily detain & search illegal migrants. This shifts their role beyond traditional support, allowing detention of trespassers until law enforcement arrives. pic.twitter.com/UKLx7wA4BH
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) April 21, 2025
Scale and Scope of Military Border Operations
The newly designated military zone spans more than 170 miles across New Mexico, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announcing plans to expand this coverage by an additional 90 miles in Texas in the coming weeks. Currently, over 10,000 service members are deployed along the southern border to support Customs and Border Protection operations. This military presence is expected to increase as the administration intensifies its border security efforts, reflecting a significant commitment of defense resources to immigration enforcement.
General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, emphasized that the military will work in coordination with law enforcement partners. “Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners” said Guillot.
The military’s role includes conducting enhanced detection and monitoring operations to identify and intercept illegal border crossings. The Defense Department’s southern border operations are estimated to cost nearly $1 billion over an eight-month period, reflecting the substantial resources being allocated to this mission.
Border Security Strategy and Results
Beyond the military authorization, the Trump administration is advancing other border security initiatives. This includes a waiver to expedite border wall construction in southern California, bypassing environmental laws to speed up the construction of 2.5 miles of barrier outside San Diego. These measures come as Border Patrol has reported a significant drop in apprehensions of illegal immigrants compared to earlier in the year, suggesting the administration’s tough stance may already be having an impact on migration patterns.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been vocal about the military’s commitment to border security, stating that “DoD keeps delivering for the American people. President Trump said to LOCK-DOWN the border – and we are.” President Trump himself has characterized the situation as critical, stating that “Our southern border is under attack from a variety of threats. The complexity of the current situation requires that our military take a more direct role in securing our southern border than in the recent past.” This perspective frames border security as a national defense priority requiring military involvement.
Historical Significance of Military Border Role
This expansion of military authority at the border represents a significant departure from traditional limitations on military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Critics have raised concerns about the militarization of domestic policing and the resource burden on the armed forces. However, supporters argue that the unprecedented challenges at the border require innovative approaches that leverage all available national security assets. The current deployment represents one of the most extensive uses of military personnel for border security operations in recent American history.
Sources:
Military Given Power to Detain Immigrants on U.S.-Mexico Border
US Troops Given Authority To Detain Illegal Immigrants
