Military authorized to search, detain illegal immigrants along part of border

Military members stationed in and around portions of the southern border have been given the authority to temporarily detain and search illegal migrants. Service members with the Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) are now authorized to conduct several security measures in the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), U.S. Northern Command announced on Monday. The NMNDA is part of the U.S. Army’s Fort Huachuca military installation.

This new directive allows the U.S. military to take on a more active law enforcement role than in previous years. Traditionally, military personnel have been prohibited from engaging in civilian law enforcement activities such as search, seizure, or arrest.

As part of their expanded duties, service members can now search and temporarily detain trespassers on the NMNDA, provide medical care, and implement crowd control measures until appropriate law enforcement can take over. Additionally, task force members can assist with the installation of temporary barriers, signage, and fencing upon request.

“Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure that 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,” stated USNORTHCOM Gen. Gregory Guillot. “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.”

USNORTHCOM was designated as the Defense Department’s operational lead for the deployment of U.S. military forces to carry out President Donald Trump’s southern border executive orders.

Last week, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited New Mexico to announce that the Army will assume control of nearly 110,000 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and trafficking. The 109,651 acres of federal land will be transferred to the Army for a period of three years, subject to valid existing rights.

This change in jurisdiction will enable the government to safeguard sensitive natural and cultural resources in the region while assisting the Army in supporting U.S. Border Patrol operations to secure the border and prevent illegal immigration, according to the Department of the Interior.

In March, the Defense Department authorized the military to patrol the southern border to provide “enhanced detection and monitoring” in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The DOD emphasized that any law enforcement actions to apprehend individuals suspected of illegal entry must be carried out by non-DoD law enforcement personnel and National Guard personnel in a non-federalized status accompanying these patrols.

The integration of military personnel into law enforcement activities at the southern border marks a significant shift in strategy as the U.S. government seeks to enhance border security and address issues related to illegal immigration and trafficking. The collaborative efforts between the military and law enforcement agencies aim to bolster border protection measures and safeguard the nation’s borders effectively.