U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) announced that U.S. troops positioned in the border area recently handed over to the military have the authority to detain illegal immigrants.
Because the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA) is “now part of the U.S. Army Fort Huachuca installation, JTF-SB service members operating within the NMNDA are authorized to temporarily detain trespassers, conduct searches of such individuals, engage in crowd control operations, provide emergency medical support where necessary, and assist with the installation of temporary barriers.
Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander of U.S. Northern Command, said in a statement that through the “enhanced authorities,” NORTHCOM will “ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners.”
“Joint Task Force-Southern Border will conduct enhanced detection and monitoring, which will include vehicle and foot patrols, rotary wing, and fixed surveillance site operations,” he added.
The new authorization follows President Donald Trump allowing 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 sought to bolster efforts to prevent illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
“Securing our border and protecting our nation’s resources go hand in hand,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “The American people gave President Trump a mandate to make America safe and strong again. This transfer reflects Interior’s commitment to public safety, national security and responsible stewardship of our public lands.”
The Department of the Interior noted that the transfer of land to the Army will “facilitate military engagement to prevent unauthorized human activity in ecologically sensitive areas along the southern border, which can be harmed by repeated foot traffic, unregulated vehicle use, and the creation of informal trails or camps.”
