Trump order turns federal land at US border into military installation

The U.S. military is set to take control of a strip of federal land spanning three states along the southern border in an effort to combat illegal immigration, according to a memorandum issued by President Donald Trump on Friday.

The memorandum, titled “Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions,” directs the secretaries of Defense, Interior, Agriculture, and Homeland Security to grant jurisdiction to the Department of Defense over federal lands necessary for military activities, excluding Federal Indian Reservations.

This move will allow for the construction of a border barrier and the placement of detection and monitoring equipment to enhance border security. The decision comes in response to the increasing threats faced at the southern border, prompting the military to play a more direct role in securing the area.

The designated federal land, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, covers California, New Mexico, and Arizona and was established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 to safeguard the border. Under the new directive, this land will be transformed into a military installation designated as National Defense Areas where military activities will take place to ensure border security.

The memorandum empowers the secretary of defense to determine the necessary military activities to accomplish the mission of securing the border. This may involve deploying additional resources, personnel, and technology to effectively monitor and protect the southern border.

President Trump’s decision to involve the military in border security aligns with his campaign promise to address illegal immigration and prioritize national security. By deploying military forces to the border, the administration aims to enhance border protection and prevent unauthorized entry into the country.

As the government takes steps to fortify the southern border, it underscores the importance of maintaining national security and upholding immigration laws. The military’s involvement in border security reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.