Border Threat: The US Extends Military Presence Along the Mexican Border
As part of enhanced border control measures, the United States recently announced the creation of a new military zone along the border with Mexico, causing significant public and expert discussion. Following the detection of another military-purpose area in New Mexico last month, US authorities have decided to expand this practice by adding an additional zone within the state of Texas. This region is particularly important because sources report that the military has been authorized to detain migrants and other vulnerable border violators temporarily, performing functions previously under civilian law enforcement jurisdiction. According to official information, late Thursday evening, representatives of the US military announced the establishment of the so-called "Texas National Defense Zone"—a strip over 60 miles (approximately 100 kilometers) long stretching eastward from the border of Texas and New Mexico around El Paso. This area marks a new phase in the administration’s policy aimed at tightening control over migration flows from Mexico. It is important to note that responsibility for apprehending illegal crossings remains with the US Customs and Border Protection, which has jurisdiction in this region. Military personnel, according to officials, do not conduct arrests independently but transfer detainees to border patrol or other law enforcement agencies. The New Mexico prosecutor’s office reports that over 80 migrant apprehensions have already been recorded in this area, with charges related to crossing the border in a military zone. However, it should be emphasized that the military itself has not carried out arrests; these have been performed by border patrol personnel. This government step appears to aim at utilizing military resources to accelerate migrant detention processes and strengthen border control, framing these actions as exclusively military measures. This approach is supported by US legislation, notably the Act of Insurrection from 1807, which grants the president special powers to deploy armed forces in cases of civil disorder or crises. The Trump administration has attempted to rely on this legal framework to bypass bureaucratic obstacles and respond more swiftly to increasing migration pressures. Current data indicates that approximately 11,900 service members are deployed nationwide, providing around-the-clock border security and participating in control operations. Statistics show that March saw the lowest recorded number of illegal crossings in history, which may partly be attributed to intensified security measures. Amid these actions, President Trump—who entered office with an ambitious plan to fight illegal migration—launched a large-scale campaign to increase military presence along the southern border. He repeatedly promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants residing in the US and implemented strict, sometimes controversial, measures to control the situation. In April, the administration expanded these efforts by declaring that the newly established zone covering over 440 square kilometers in New Mexico is classified as a "National Defense Zone," allowing wider military involvement. These measures have sparked growing controversy among the public and experts, raising questions about the balance between security and human rights, as well as highlighting escalating political tensions around immigration issues in the US. While some see these developments as necessary steps for national safety, others express concern about potential abuses of power and violations of migrants’ rights. Overall, the creation of new military zones along the Mexican border marks a significant new phase in US immigration policy, reflecting a rapidly evolving strategy to combat border crossings and demonstrating the administration’s intent to make border control more aggressive and mobile.