U.S. troops apprehended illegal immigrants for the first time in newly designated military zones along the southern border, demonstrating the effectiveness of President Trump’s border security strategy. Our military is now able to directly combat the invasion of illegal crossings thanks to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s audacious decision to designate 260 miles of the Texas and New Mexico border as U.S. Army bases.
Military Zones Strengthen Border Security
The Trump administration has taken unprecedented steps to protect American sovereignty by designating approximately 260 miles along the Texas and New Mexico border as military zones. These areas are now considered extensions of U.S. Army bases, giving troops the legal authority to detain illegal immigrants and trespassers who attempt to enter the country unlawfully.
NBC NEWS: ICE IS ALSO DETAINING IMMIGRANTS IN SANTA BARBARA AND SLO COUNTY IN SANTA MARIA, SLO, ARROYO GRANDE, GROVER BEACH, OCEANO AND NIPOMO AT ALL PUBLIC PLACES. VALLEY WILL BE NEXT. @KSBY @KCOY @SLOTribune pic.twitter.com/4JnnYTXjLL
— Big Kahuna (@BigEkahuna1) June 6, 2025
On June 3, U.S. troops detained three illegal immigrants near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, marking the first implementation of this new policy. The individuals were promptly handed over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing, demonstrating the seamless coordination between military personnel and immigration authorities.
First Detentions Signal New Era of Enforcement
Major Geoffrey Carmichael confirmed the significance of these actions, stating that “This marks the first time Department of Defense personnel have recorded a temporary detainment within either National Defense Area.” The detained individuals were intercepted while attempting to cross through the Santa Teresa military zone, one of several areas now under heightened security protocols.
I can’t even. I live on the border, and when I lived in Santa Teresa, NM, I encountered CBP every day because my house was in a neighborhood about 3 miles from the port of entry.
Helicopters (I called them border birds), ATVs, horseback (yes, that’s a thing), vans cruising… https://t.co/6qIiJ9KtMO
— Mike Pence's Other Mother
(@cooltxchick) June 8, 2025
U.S. Northern Command has officially “delegated the authority and directed to conduct installation security support operations” in these designated zones. Military personnel are now authorized to “temporarily detain trespassers on the NMNDA until an appropriate law enforcement entity can assume custody,” representing a significant shift in border enforcement strategy.
Comprehensive Border Strategy Shows Results
The primary role of troops in these military zones extends beyond apprehension, including detecting and tracking illegal border crossings. Since the implementation of this policy, U.S. troops have detected approximately 390 illegal border crossings in these designated military zones, highlighting the scale of the ongoing crisis.
“This marks the first time Department of Defense personnel have recorded a temporary detainment within either National Defense Area,” – Major Geoffrey Carmichael.
Troops stationed along the border are also authorized to conduct cursory searches to ensure safety when encountering potential trespassers. Establishing these military zones represents a creative and legally sound approach to addressing the border crisis, utilizing existing laws to empower the federal government to protect American sovereignty.
Secretary Hegseth’s strategy demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to using every available tool to secure the border and protect American communities from the ongoing invasion. The successful implementation of military zones marks a turning point in border security policy, finally giving our troops the authority they need to support immigration enforcement efforts effectively.
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