
President Donald Trump declares a national emergency at the southern border, unlocking new powers to combat illegal immigration and transnational crime.
Quick Takes
- Trump vows to declare a national emergency at the southern border and designate certain gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
- The move would allow for expanded military involvement in border security operations.
- Tren de Aragua and MS-13 are among the groups to be labeled as terrorist organizations.
- Critics warn of potential diplomatic strains and increased violence from cartels.
- The declaration enables deployment of armed forces and construction of physical barriers at the border.
Trump’s Bold Border Security Initiative
In a significant shift in national security policy, President Donald Trump has announced plans to declare a national emergency at the southern border of the United States. This declaration comes alongside a commitment to designate certain drug cartels and gangs, including the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua and El Salvador-based MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). These actions are set to dramatically expand the government’s legal and military options for addressing migration and cross-border criminal activities.
The White House has emphasized the urgency of the situation, with a spokesperson stating, “The president and his team today will immediately prioritize tackling the national security and public safety threats that have resulted from our open border.” This move signifies a robust approach to border security, leveraging both executive power and existing legal frameworks to address what the administration views as a crisis.
J/20th, 2021: Biden terminates the U.S. national border emergency declaration
J/20th, 2025: Trump signs a new one pic.twitter.com/nugk8DgxeX
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 21, 2025
Expanded Powers and New Strategies
The declaration of a national emergency at the southern border unlocks a range of new authorities for dealing with migrants and transnational criminal organizations. It allows for the deployment of armed forces to assist the Department of Homeland Security in controlling the border and the construction of additional physical barriers. Currently, approximately 2,500 troops are serving at the southern border under a previous authorization, a number that could potentially increase.
The designation of certain groups as FTOs brings significant legal implications. María Calderón, an expert on the matter, explains, “The material support clauses open the door to prosecuting any person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States if they knowingly provided ‘material support or resources’ to a designated FTO.” This broadens the Justice Department’s ability to pursue individuals suspected of aiding these organizations.
Military Involvement and Intelligence Capabilities
Under the new directives, the Secretary of Defense is tasked with determining the shape and scope of military action at the border. This could include deeper surveillance of designated terrorist groups using military intelligence capabilities. A new homeland security task force is also set to carry out related orders and actions within the U.S., potentially integrating military assets with existing law enforcement efforts.
The proclamation also considers waiving regulations to counter unmanned aerial systems near the border, signaling a comprehensive approach to border security that accounts for evolving technological threats. These measures aim to enhance the government’s ability to monitor and respond to illegal border crossings and criminal activities.
Potential Risks and Criticisms
While supporters view these actions as necessary steps to enhance national security, critics voice concerns about potential diplomatic ramifications and the risk of escalating violence. Brian Michael Jenkins, a security expert, warns, “In response to attacks on their leadership and threats to their livelihood, any self-imposed constraints on attacking Americans will erode.” This highlights the delicate balance between aggressive enforcement and maintaining regional stability.
Past deployments of military personnel to the border have faced criticism for lacking military training value and potentially affecting overall military readiness. As the situation develops, careful consideration will be needed to ensure that border security efforts do not compromise other aspects of national defense.
Looking Ahead
As these new policies are implemented, the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security are required to provide regular updates to the President on actions taken and border conditions. The effectiveness of these measures in addressing illegal immigration and transnational crime will likely be closely scrutinized in the coming months, as will their impact on international relations and domestic security dynamics.
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Border declaration, terrorist designations unlock new options—and new risks
DECLARING A NATIONAL EMERGENCY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES