U.S. Army troops have detained illegal immigrants for the first time in designated military zones along the southern border, marking a significant shift in how military personnel are used for immigration enforcement.

At a Glance

• U.S. troops have made their first detentions of illegal immigrants in designated military zones along the southern border
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth established approximately 260 miles of Texas and New Mexico border as military zones
• Three illegal immigrants were detained near Santa Teresa, New Mexico and transferred to Border Patrol
• U.S. Northern Command authorized troops to conduct security operations and temporarily detain trespassers
• Approximately 390 illegal border crossings have been detected by troops in these military zones

Military Zones Established Along Southern Border

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has designated approximately 260 miles along the Texas and New Mexico border as military zones. These areas are now considered extensions of U.S. Army bases, which provides the legal framework allowing military personnel to detain individuals crossing the border illegally. The policy represents a significant expansion of military involvement in border security operations and builds upon military infrastructure established during President Donald Trump’s previous administration.

The primary role of troops deployed to these zones is to detect and track illegal border crossings. Since the establishment of these military zones, U.S. troops have detected approximately 390 illegal border crossings. This monitoring capability provides border enforcement agencies with valuable intelligence and enhances the overall security posture along vulnerable sections of the border that have experienced high volumes of unauthorized crossings.

First Detentions by Military Personnel

On June 3, three illegal immigrants were detained by U.S. troops near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and subsequently handed over to U.S. Border Patrol. This incident represents the first documented case of military personnel directly detaining unauthorized border crossers within the newly designated National Defense Areas. The detentions occurred as part of expanded security operations authorized by U.S. Northern Command within these specialized zones.

“This marks the first time Department of Defense personnel have recorded a temporary detainment within either National Defense Area.”, said Major Geoffrey Carmichael –

The detentions follow a directive from U.S. Northern Command, which has been “delegated the authority and directed to conduct installation security support operations” within these military zones. This authorization explicitly includes the ability to “temporarily detain trespassers on the NMNDA until an appropriate law enforcement entity can assume custody,” marking a significant expansion of military responsibilities at the border.

Expanded Military Role in Border Security

Under the new policy, troops are authorized to conduct cursory searches to ensure safety when detaining individuals who cross into these military zones. This authority is limited to basic security measures intended to protect both military personnel and detainees during the temporary period before Border Patrol agents arrive to take custody. The military’s role remains supportive rather than replacing traditional law enforcement functions.

The designation of these areas as extensions of military installations creates a legal framework that allows for military involvement in what has traditionally been a law enforcement domain. The 260-mile stretch now operating under military jurisdiction represents one of the most active corridors for illegal border crossings, particularly in sectors of Texas and New Mexico that have seen sustained migration pressure over recent years.

These military zones operate differently from standard border enforcement areas, as they fall under Department of Defense jurisdiction rather than Department of Homeland Security authority. This shift represents a novel approach to border security that utilizes existing military resources and personnel to address ongoing immigration challenges while maintaining the legal separation between military operations and domestic law enforcement.