The U.S. Air Force and Navy have expanded their role in border security, with the Air Force controlling a 250-mile stretch of land in Texas and the Navy overseeing a 140-mile stretch near Yuma, Arizona. These new areas fall under National Defense Areas (NDAs) managed by Joint Base San Antonio and the Navy, respectively. These NDAs represent the third such zones created under the Trump administration, part of a broader strategy to enhance border security amid a surge in illegal crossings.
The shift marks a significant change in the use of federal land, as these areas were previously managed by the International Boundary and Water Commission. The military will now be authorized to apprehend, search, and detain migrants within these zones until Customs and Border Protection agents arrive. Migrants entering these zones may also face trespassing charges, raising concerns about the legality of the military’s expanded role in immigration enforcement.
Critics, including civil liberties groups, have warned that this approach could violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts federal troops from being used in domestic policing without congressional approval. The Brennan Center for Justice criticized the policy as a way to bypass the Act, stating it blurs the lines between military and law enforcement roles. They argue that this could set a dangerous precedent, allowing military deployments within the U.S. interior.
Supporters, such as former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andy Gould, have praised the move as an effective strategy against drug cartels and a legal necessity. He emphasized that the Trump administration’s actions, including declaring a national emergency and transferring land to the military, are justified as part of a comprehensive border security plan.
The military’s increased presence has also prompted drug traffickers to shift tactics, using maritime routes to bypass intensified land enforcement. In response, the Pentagon has deployed naval vessels with Coast Guard teams to interdict sea-based drug operations. Experts like Brigadier General Barker, an FBI advisor, argue that the military’s capabilities in counterterrorism and interdiction are crucial, suggesting that future missions may extend into Latin America to preempt smuggling attempts before they reach the U.S. border.