President Trump’s administration has taken a decisive step to strengthen border security by establishing military zones along the U.S.-Mexico border. This strategic move represents a significant shift in border enforcement policy, empowering the military to take a more active role in preventing unauthorized entry. How successful has this policy been in its early stages?
U.S. Troops Make First Detentions in Border Military Zones
U.S. military personnel have made their first detentions of illegal immigrants in newly designated military zones along the southern border. Three illegal immigrants were detained by Army troops near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on June 3 before being handed over to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Major Geoffrey Carmichael confirmed the significance of this operation, stating, “This marks the first time Department of Defense personnel have recorded a temporary detainment within either National Defense Area.” The military’s involvement in border security operations represents a substantial shift in how the United States addresses illegal immigration under the Trump administration.
1/ The first 28 illegals have been charged with entering a "restricted military zone."
This isn't just any border crossing anymore – it's TRESPASSING ON A MILITARY BASE. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/cQV8PbNalh
— Rod D. Martin (@RodDMartin) April 30, 2025
Secretary of Defense Establishes Military Zones
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth officially designated approximately 260 miles along the Texas and New Mexico border as military zones. These areas are now considered extensions of U.S. Army bases, granting troops the legal authority to detain individuals attempting to cross these sections illegally.
U.S. Northern Command has been “delegated the authority and directed to conduct installation security support operations” within these designated areas. The command structure allows military personnel to “temporarily detain trespassers on the NMNDA until an appropriate law enforcement entity can assume custody,” creating a seamless handoff protocol between military and civilian law enforcement.
2/ Let me break this down for you: Remember the Roosevelt Reservation? That 60-foot strip along the border? It's now a MILITARY ZONE in CA, AZ, and NM.
The military just got control of 110,000 acres! And that's BAD NEWS for the cartels and illegal aliens. pic.twitter.com/9hSdhlgAj4
— Rod D. Martin (@RodDMartin) April 30, 2025
Expanded Military Role in Border Security
The primary mission of troops stationed in these military zones is to detect and track illegal border crossings. Military personnel have already detected approximately 390 illegal border crossings in these designated areas, demonstrating the immediate impact of their presence.
Troops are also authorized to conduct cursory searches of detainees to ensure safety before transferring them to Border Patrol custody. This expanded role for military personnel at the border represents a significant strengthening of the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement and national security.