Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
April 23, 2025– In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has authorized the U.S. military to assume control over a 170-mile stretch of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. This move, announced by U.S. Northern Command, transfers jurisdiction from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Defense, effectively designating the area as part of Arizona’s Fort Huachuca.
The reclassification allows military personnel to operate outside the constraints of the Posse Comitatus Act, which traditionally limits the military’s involvement in domestic law enforcement. Under the new directive, service members are permitted to temporarily detain individuals suspected of illegal border crossings, provide medical assistance, and implement crowd control measures until they can transfer custody to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.
A 45-day trial period has been initiated to assess the effectiveness of this approach. During this time, the Army will establish additional fencing and signage to delineate the controlled perimeter. The administration has indicated plans to extend similar authority to parts of Texas, further expanding the military’s role in border security operations.
The White House maintains that the measure is necessary to respond to what it describes as an ongoing national emergency at the southern border. The administration asserts that the military’s enhanced role is crucial for deterring illegal immigration and ensuring national security.
As the situation develops, further assessments will determine the long-term implications of this policy change on border enforcement and civil-military relations within the United States.
See below supporting documents:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025/02/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-deputy-chief-of-staff-stephen-miller-national-economic-council-director-kevin-hassett-and-national-security-advisor-mike-waltz
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/cfs/fy2003/FY2003Army.pdf
https://prhome.defense.gov/Portals/52/Documents/RFM/Readiness/docs/srr2007.pdf
