Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Military personnel deployed at various locations along the southern U.S. border have been granted new powers to detain and search individuals attempting to cross illegally.
Members of the Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) are now empowered to carry out a range of security operations in the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), as announced by U.S. Northern Command on Monday. The NMNDA is a designated area within the Fort Huachuca military installation.
This development marks a significant shift in the role of the U.S. military, allowing them to engage more actively in law enforcement activities—albeit temporarily—something that has generally been restricted in past operations.
NAVY DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL WARSHIP TO SUPPORT SOUTHERN BORDER OPERATIONS
Army Sgt. Drew Scheffer, who is part of the Joint Task Force Southern Border, oversees surveillance efforts at the southern border near Santa Teresa, N.M., as of April 12. (Department of Defense)
Under their enhanced authority, military members can conduct searches and temporarily detain individuals trespassing in the NMNDA. They are also tasked with providing medical assistance and managing crowds until civilian law enforcement can take over.
Additionally, personnel from the task force can support the installation of temporary barriers and signage, as well as fencing when required.
“These enhanced authorities will ensure that those illegally entering the New Mexico National Defense Area are quickly and efficiently handed over to Customs and Border Protection or other law enforcement agencies,” stated USNORTHCOM General Gregory Guillot. He further emphasized that the JTF-Southern Border will bolster detection and monitoring efforts, including foot and vehicle patrols as well as surveillance from aircraft.
USNORTHCOM has been designated as the Defense Department’s lead entity for the deployment of military resources to enforce President Donald Trump’s executive orders addressing border security.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION EMPHASIZES MILITARY ROLE IN BORDER SECURITY
On March 21, 2024, a group of over 100 migrants rushed towards a border barrier in an attempt to enter the U.S. illegally, resulting in a confrontation with Texas National Guardsmen. (James Breeden for New York Post / Mega)
Recently, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited New Mexico to announce that the Army will assume control of approximately 110,000 acres of federal land along the border as part of the administration’s enhanced measures to combat illegal immigration and trafficking.
The land transfer, amounting to 109,651 acres, is set to last for three years, while still respecting existing rights in the area.
This jurisdictional change aims to assist the government in protecting vital natural and cultural resources while simultaneously enabling the Army to support U.S. Border Patrol efforts in securing the border against illegal crossings, according to the Department of the Interior.
In March, the Defense Department had already given the military the green light to patrol the southern border for “enhanced detection and monitoring” to aid U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This image illustrates the situation at the southern border, showcasing troops alongside the border wall. (Getty Images)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE
The Department of Defense clarified that any law enforcement action related to apprehending suspected individuals must be carried out solely by appropriate federal and state law enforcement officials, with National Guard troops remaining in a non-federalized status during these missions.
Source
www.foxnews.com