In a significant escalation of border security measures, President Donald Trump has authorized the emergency transfer of nearly 110,000 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border to the Department of the Army. The move aims to bolster efforts to prevent illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
The transferred land, spanning Hidalgo, Luna, and Dona Ana counties in New Mexico, will be under Army control for a period of three years. This transfer facilitates federal patrols and the construction of border infrastructure aimed at combating illegal crossings and protecting ecologically sensitive areas impacted by foot traffic.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated, “Securing our border and protecting our nation’s resources go hand in hand. This transfer reflects Interior’s commitment to public safety, national security, and responsible stewardship of our public lands.”
The administration’s strategy includes designating the transferred land as part of a military base, potentially allowing troops to detain trespassers, including migrants. This approach is intended to navigate around the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Legal experts caution that this tactic could face court challenges, questioning whether the land’s new designation serves a genuine military purpose.
A 45-day trial of this approach will commence on a section of the Roosevelt Reservation in New Mexico. During this period, the Army will install additional fencing and signage to deter unauthorized entry. Migrants apprehended on the site would be transferred to civilian law enforcement.
This initiative is part of President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which includes previous land transfers for border wall construction and increased military involvement in border security. The administration asserts that these measures are necessary to address what it deems a national emergency at the southern border.
