Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The United States Military has confirmed that active-duty troops now have broader powers to detain, search, and support law enforcement efforts within a newly designated military zone along the US-Mexico border in New Mexico.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the United States recently took control of a significant stretch of land along the US-Mexico border as part of a broader federal effort to enhance border security. On April 11, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to transfer jurisdiction of the Roosevelt Reservation—an approximately 160-square-mile strip of federally owned land in New Mexico—to the Department of Defense for a period of three years. The move allows the government to establish a federally controlled buffer zone aimed at blocking unauthorized migration, smuggling routes, and cartel movements along a particularly vulnerable stretch of the border. Separately, in Texas, some National Guard members operating under Operation Lone Star—a state-led initiative launched by Governor Greg Abbott during Biden’s time in office—have already been granted authority to detain migrants who cross illegally until US Border Patrol agents take them into custody.
What’s going on now: In a notable development, US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) confirmed that active-duty service members have been granted new enforcement capabilities within the newly established New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA). This shift marks the first time that American troops under control of the federal government (not state) have been authorized to temporarily detain and search individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally within this specific zone. According to a statement from NORTHCOM, troops “have been delegated the authority” to engage in critical enforcement support roles, including “enhanced detection and monitoring, which will include vehicle and foot patrols, rotary wing, and fixed surveillance site operations.“
General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORTHCOM, said, “Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command 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.”
Under this new directive, military personnel can also provide emergency medical treatment, enforce crowd control, and assist in the installation of temporary barriers, signage, and fencing if needed. These roles were previously outside the scope of military involvement due to legal constraints on domestic law enforcement actions by the armed forces.
This comes amid a sharp decline in daily unauthorized crossings at the southern border. US Customs and Border Protection data show a drop from an average of 5,100 illegal border crossings per day during the Biden administration to just 230 per day in the first four months of Trump’s second term—a reduction of over 97%. General Guillot noted that the decline coincides with “policy changes” and the military’s increased presence.
