Pentagon Establishes Two Additional Military Zones Along Southern Border
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expands military authority to combat illegal crossings as border crisis continues
The Defense Department has confirmed the establishment of two new military zones along the U.S.-Mexico border, strengthening the Trump administration's comprehensive approach to securing America's southern frontier against illegal immigration.
The Pentagon is creating one designated area along Arizona's border that will become part of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, extending over 100 miles. A second zone in southern Texas will become part of Joint Base San Antonio, covering approximately 250 miles of the Rio Grande River.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the Air Force and Navy secretaries "to take necessary action to establish National Defense Areas along the U.S.-Mexico border." These zones grant enhanced military authority to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two new military zones bring the total to four National Defense Areas, adding to zones previously established in New Mexico (attached to Fort Huachuca, Arizona) and Texas (attached to Fort Bliss).
Within these designated zones, military personnel are authorized to temporarily detain individuals who illegally cross the border until they are transferred to Department of Homeland Security custody. Border crossers in the military zones face potential prosecutions on two federal crimes — entering the U.S. illegally and trespassing on military property.
The expansion demonstrates the administration's commitment to operational control of the southern border amid ongoing challenges with illegal immigration and drug trafficking. "The establishment of a second National Defense Area increases our operational reach and effectiveness in denying illegal activity along the southern border," US Northern Command commander Gen. Gregory Guillot said after the establishment of the Texas National Defense Area.
This story originally appeared on The Hill.