President Trump has authorized the U.S. military to assume control over federal lands along the southern border with Mexico, citing national security concerns.
A new memorandum expands on Trump’s Inauguration Day emergency declaration and directs the military to support border operations, possibly invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807.
The order allows jurisdiction over lands like the Roosevelt Reservation but excludes Native American reservations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will oversee military activities and determine their scope. Initially limited to select areas, operations may expand.
The Pentagon also deployed 1,500 additional troops, bringing the total to 6,600 under Joint Task Force Southern Border. Troops will support Customs and Border Protection but won’t perform law enforcement duties due to the Posse Comitatus Act.
Illegal crossings have declined significantly under Trump’s second term. A lawsuit challenging immigration arrests near churches was dismissed.
