Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new order giving the military more authority at the country’s southern border with Mexico. The move is part of his broader effort to fight illegal immigration and boost border security. The order, made public late Friday, gives the U.S. armed forces control over federal lands along the border and allows them to take more direct actions.
A New Mission for the Military
The document, titled “Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions,” outlines Trump’s view of the southern border as being “under attack.” The memo argues that drug smuggling, human trafficking, and undocumented crossings are serious threats. Because of this, Trump says the military must step in.
The plan allows troops to secure areas like the Roosevelt Reservation—a 60-foot-wide strip of federal land that runs through parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Soldiers will be able to detain people suspected of crossing illegally and hold them until border agents take over. The military will also build fences, install cameras, and set up radar systems to watch the border more closely.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will review the plan after 45 days. If it shows progress, the area of military control may grow. Trump says this action is needed to stop what he calls an “invasion” and keep Americans safe.
Native American Lands Excluded
Trump’s order does not apply to tribal lands or Native American reservations. These areas will not be placed under military control. The order respects tribal sovereignty, which has often been a concern in past federal border policies.
Legal Moves Fuel Policy Push
This latest action follows a string of other immigration-focused moves by the Trump administration. It comes just one day after a federal court decided that non-citizens living in the U.S. must register with the federal government. This law, passed during World War II, had not been widely used in recent years. But now it is being revived as part of Trump’s push for stricter immigration rules.
The Department of Homeland Security brought back the registration requirement in February. People who fail to register may face fines or jail time. Critics argue this is a way to get around the Posse Comitatus Act. That law normally stops the military from acting as police inside the U.S.
Political Reactions and Public Debate
The new order has sparked debate across the country. Supporters say strong action is needed to control the border. They point to crime and drug trafficking, especially the spread of fentanyl, as reasons to act now. Trump and his Republican allies often claim that many of these drugs come through illegal crossings.
However, federal data tells a different story. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, over 90% of people convicted of fentanyl trafficking are American citizens. Most of the drugs enter through legal ports of entry, not open desert areas. Critics say Trump’s order may be more about politics than real security.
Human rights groups warn that using the military at the border could lead to abuse. They worry about the rights of people who are stopped, especially if they are held by soldiers without clear rules or access to lawyers. Others say it could set a dangerous example of using the military inside U.S. borders for domestic policy.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
This isn’t the first time the U.S. has used troops at the border. National Guard units have been deployed in the past, often in support roles. But Trump’s new plan gives the military direct control over land and law enforcement duties, which is a much bigger step.
The decision also comes during a time of rising tension over immigration policy nationwide. Border states like Texas and Arizona have seen clashes between state and federal authorities. Trump’s action could deepen those divides.
While many legal questions remain, Trump’s move sends a clear message. He wants to make immigration a key issue once again. Whether or not the plan holds up in court, it shows how far he is willing to go to keep his promises on border security.