In a significant move aimed at reinforcing border security, the Trump administration has authorized the military to take over certain federal lands along the southern border, and the decision is part of a broader initiative to address illegal immigration and drug smuggling through enhanced military involvement.
A memorandum issued by President Donald Trump empowers the military to assume jurisdiction over select federal lands, facilitating a direct military role in safeguarding the nation's southern boundary, as the New York Post reports.
The official document, released on Friday, outlines measures aimed at tackling issues related to illegal crossings and drug trafficking. It was distributed to several Cabinet members, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins. These officials were tasked with supporting military responsibilities over federal territories as part of the broader plan.
Included in the authorized military actions are constructing protective barriers and employing technology for surveillance and monitoring. Hegseth bears the responsibility of specifying the necessary military operations required under this directive. These efforts are based on the goal of defending the "sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the U.S., as maintained in an earlier executive order concerning border security.
A specific focus area for these operations is the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot stretch of land adjacent to the U.S.-Mexico border, intended to be utilized for military activities. However, the directive excludes federal Native American reservations from the areas subject to military jurisdiction. The armed forces engaged in these activities are required to adhere to engagement rules stipulated by the Secretary of Defense.
The memorandum dictates maintaining troop-presence areas as military installations, with access restricted to authorized personnel only. This protective measure is intended to ensure security and integrity while upholding operational command over the designated lands. The document further underlines that the military's role is crucial due to the various threats facing the southern border region.
An implementation plan has been structured in phases, with an initial focus on a specific sector as designated by the secretary of Defense. Within 45 days from the memorandum's issuance, the secretary required to review and evaluate the progress of this initial implementation phase.
Under the phased approach, the secretary of Defense, in collaboration with other officials, can expand military activities to more federal lands. This extension relies on coordination with the secretary of Homeland Security, the assistant to the president and Homeland Security advisor, and relevant agencies.
Reflecting on the context of his announcement, Trump emphasized, "Our southern border is under attack from a variety of threats.” He further elaborated on the complexity of the present-day border issues, stating the necessity for a substantial military role more poignant than in recent history.
Additionally, Trump's directive highlighted the commitment to take "all appropriate actions" facilitating defense jurisdiction over federal lands. This move was designed to enable the Department of Defense to carry out the requisite military activities as prescribed in the presidential directive.
All measures under this directive stem from presidential authority aiming to assert control and guarantee America's territorial boundaries. The concerted efforts of key Cabinet members and the military are pivotal in pushing forward this initiative aimed at curbing unauthorized movements and securing the border.
The directive sets a path for defining military operations and ensuring the security apparatus is responsive to current challenges. As the secretary of Defense continues to assess the initial phase, further expansion, as required, is anticipated to ensure comprehensive border security management.
This development underscores the administration's efforts to employ military resources in fortifying the U.S. southern border against external risks, highlighting a strategic pivot in border security operations.
