President Donald Trump has authorized the U.S. military to take control of public land along the southern border, citing an array of threats and declaring a national emergency to bolster security.
On Friday, President Trump issued an executive order empowering the Department of Defense (DoD) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border through the construction of a border wall and the deployment of advanced surveillance equipment. According to the White House, the move addresses a “variety of threats” facing the nation, necessitating a stronger military presence at the border than in recent years.
A New Role for the Military
The executive order, detailed in a White House memo, directs the Secretaries of Defense, Interior, Agriculture, and Homeland Security to transfer jurisdiction of federal land along the southern border to the DoD. The military’s mandate includes activities “reasonably necessary and appropriate” to secure the border, such as building physical barriers and implementing detection systems. As reported by CBS News, the order references the Roosevelt Reservation—a strip of land spanning California, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Phased Implementation and Leadership
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been tasked with overseeing the phased deployment of military resources, starting with select sections of public land. However, Hegseth holds the authority to expand operations across any public land along the border as needed. The broad scope of the order reflects Trump’s commitment to prioritizing border security, a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda.
Record-Low Border Crossings
During a recent cabinet meeting, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem highlighted significant progress in reducing illegal border crossings. She noted that for two consecutive months, the U.S. recorded the lowest number of migrant encounters at the southern border. Preliminary data from March, obtained by CBS News, showed crossings dropped to levels not seen in at least 25 years, a trend attributed to Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.
A Blitz of Executive Actions
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has moved swiftly to reshape federal immigration and border policies. On his first day, he declared a national emergency at the southern border, setting the stage for expanded executive actions. These measures aim to strengthen enforcement, deter illegal immigration, and enhance national security, aligning with his campaign promises.
What’s Next for Border Security?
Trump’s decision to involve the military directly in border operations marks a significant escalation in federal efforts to secure the southern border. As the DoD implements its mandate, questions remain about the long-term impact on immigration policy, local communities, and U.S.-Mexico relations. The administration’s focus on border security continues to spark debate, with supporters praising the tough stance and critics questioning its necessity given recent declines in crossings.
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