Pentagon Expands Military Zones at Southern Border to Stem Migrant Flow
In a strategic move to bolster border security, the Pentagon announced the establishment of a second expanded military zone along the southwestern border. This initiative aims to curb illegal immigration and is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to militarize the U.S.-Mexico boundary.
The newly designated area will be a narrow strip, approximately 63 miles long, located along the southern border of Texas near El Paso, complementing an existing 60-foot-wide military zone that spans 200 miles between New Mexico and Mexico. The Pentagon has classified these zones as national defense areas, where migrants can be deemed trespassers and detained by U.S. troops until Border Patrol agents arrive.
General Gregory M. Guillot, head of Northern Command, emphasized that the expansion enhances the military’s operational capabilities in preventing illegal activities at the border. He stated that soldiers already engaged in monitoring can now temporarily detain individuals entering these zones, reinforcing law enforcement efforts.
This military presence has intensified recently, with nearly 8,000 active-duty troops deployed to the border, including infantry from the Fourth Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. This initiative aligns with President Trump’s directive issued in January to enhance military involvement in addressing immigration challenges.
Despite a significant decrease in crossings during the Trump presidency, the enhancements reflect a continued commitment to securing the border. The Pentagon’s approach includes not only ground soldiers but also aerial surveillance and naval support, marking a substantial military footprint aimed at addressing the ongoing situation at the border. As operations continue, the implications for migrants and local communities remain a focal point for discussion.
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