American troops have been authorized to detain and search individuals lacking proper documentation within the newly designated New Mexico National Defense Area, U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) announced Monday. The area, now part of the Army’s Fort Huachuca, extends along the U.S.-Mexico border.
This marks the first time service members have been granted detention powers at the southern border. Troops may now detain trespassers, provide medical aid, implement crowd control, and assist in setting up barriers until law enforcement, such as Customs and Border Protection, can take custody.
Northcom Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot confirmed expanded operations will include patrols and surveillance. The shift follows President Trump’s April 11 directive transferring control of the Roosevelt Reservation from the Interior Department to the Defense Department for three years.
The move allows the administration to bypass the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. Officials plan to expand this area into Texas in the coming weeks, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
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