Trump Authorizes Military to Take Control of Federal Land Along Southern Border
In a bold move that marks a significant expansion of military involvement at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Donald Trump issued a late-night directive authorizing the U.S. military to assume control over federal lands along the southern frontier.
The presidential memorandum, addressed to the heads of four key federal departments—Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins—calls for an expanded military role in border security operations.
The memo instructs these departments to give the Department of Defense both use and jurisdiction over specific federal lands, including the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot-wide stretch of federally controlled land running along the border. This jurisdiction would support military activities such as:
- Building new sections of border wall
- Installing surveillance and detection technology
- Establishing monitoring infrastructure
It’s worth noting that Federal Indian Reservations are excluded from this order.
Trump’s directive builds on his earlier actions. On his first day in office, he mandated a surge in U.S. military presence at the border. Since then, thousands of active-duty troops have been deployed as part of an evolving national security initiative.
The memo is framed within the context of a national emergency, which Trump declared during his presidency. This allows the Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, to authorize “withdrawals, reservations, and restrictions” on public lands in favor of the Defense Department.
Perhaps the most striking element of this plan is the creation of “military installations” out of existing federal land. Under this setup, migrants who cross into these areas could be held for trespassing on military property. They would remain in military custody until Homeland Security officials arrive to deport them.
Critics may raise legal concerns here. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the military from performing domestic law enforcement duties. However, by classifying these detention zones as “holding areas” on military property, the administration appears to be navigating around those legal boundaries.
Initially, this policy will roll out in a specific sector of federal land chosen by Defense Secretary Hegseth. However, the memo gives him the green light to expand this military control to other parts of the border at his discretion.
All military personnel involved will be operating under use-of-force rules established by the Secretary of Defense, according to the memo.
Trump’s directive represents a significant shift in how the federal government may use military power domestically, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement. It raises serious questions about the balance between national security, legal precedent, and humanitarian concerns.
As the situation unfolds, expect fierce debate from lawmakers, civil rights groups, and communities along the border.
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