President Donald Trump sets in motion a significant shift in border security strategy, involving multiple federal departments and military personnel.
According to Breitbart, Trump has issued executive orders directing the United States Armed Forces to take control of federal lands along the U.S.-Mexico border, excluding Federal Indian Reservations, as part of a comprehensive strategy to address unauthorized entry.
The directive grants extensive authority to the Department of Defense for border security operations, including the construction of barrier systems and the deployment of monitoring equipment. This unprecedented move follows Trump's January 2025 declaration of a national emergency at the southern border through Proclamation 10886.
The Secretary of Defense receives broad discretion to determine necessary military activities for securing the border region. These powers extend to controlling access to military installations and establishing protocols for force deployment.
The operation encompasses multiple federal agencies, with the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, and Homeland Security working in coordination. This interagency approach aims to maximize effectiveness in securing vulnerable border areas.
The initiative specifically addresses the Roosevelt Reservation, allowing the Defense Department to utilize these lands for security operations. This provision marks a significant expansion of military jurisdiction over previously civilian-controlled territories.
Trump's directive mandates the commencement of initial operations within 45 days. The White House statement outlines specific responsibilities for each participating department.
The Secretary of Defense holds authority to expand operations to additional federal lands along the southern border as deemed necessary. This flexibility allows for adaptive response to emerging security challenges.
Military personnel involved in the operation must adhere to specific rules of engagement established by the Defense Secretary. These guidelines ensure standardized protocols across all operational areas.
President Trump's memorandum specifically outlines the scope of military authority through several key provisions. As stated in the directive:
The Secretary of Defense may determine those military activities that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to accomplish the mission assigned in Executive Order 14167 and that are necessary to protect and maintain the security of military installations, consistent with section 2672 of title 10, United States Code, and the longstanding authority of a military installation commander to exclude persons from a military installation, as recognized in section 21 of the Internal Security Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 797) and 18 U.S.C. 1382.
The order invokes specific legal provisions, including 43 U.S.C. 155, enabling the Interior Secretary to withdraw and restrict public lands for Defense Department use. This supersedes typical limitations under the Engle Act.
The Trump administration's latest border security initiative represents a major escalation in federal response to unauthorized border crossings. The order mobilizes military resources and personnel to secure the southern border through enhanced monitoring and barrier construction.
The coordinated effort involves four federal departments working under specific timelines and operational guidelines. As implementation begins, the Defense Department's expanded authority over federal lands marks a significant shift in border security strategy, with military forces taking a leading role in territorial control and monitoring operations.
