Military members stationed in the southern border region have been granted the authority to detain and search illegal migrants as part of a new directive from the U.S. Northern Command. This move allows service members with the Joint Task Force Southern Border to take on a more active law enforcement role in the New Mexico National Defense Area, located within the U.S. Army’s Fort Huachuca military installation. Among their new duties, military personnel can search and temporarily detain trespassers, provide medical care, and implement crowd control measures until law enforcement can take over. They can also assist in the installation of barriers and fencing as needed.
This decision comes as part of the Defense Department’s efforts to carry out President Trump’s executive orders regarding border security. Last week, Secretary of the Interior announced that the Army will take control of nearly 110,000 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border to support Border Patrol operations and prevent illegal immigration and trafficking. This transfer of jurisdiction aims to protect natural and cultural resources in the region.
The Defense Department had previously authorized the military to patrol the southern border to enhance detection and monitoring in support of Customs and Border Protection. However, any law enforcement actions to apprehend individuals suspected of illegal entry must be carried out by non-DoD law enforcement personnel and National Guard personnel. The government is taking steps to strengthen border security and curb illegal activities in the region while ensuring the protection of natural resources.
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