The Department of Defense, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, is taking decisive steps to bolster national security by establishing two new military zones along the U.S.-Mexico border.
This strategic move aims to fortify the southern border, a critical point of entry that has long been a focal point of national security concerns.
According to American Military News, the Pentagon is setting up these zones in Texas and Arizona. The Texas zone will integrate with the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, while the Arizona zone will be part of Joint Base San Antonio.
This development was confirmed by a defense official who spoke to The Hill, noting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Navy and Air Force secretaries to "take necessary action to establish National Defense Areas along the U.S.-Mexico border."
The defense official elaborated on the initiative, stating, "DoDs new jurisdiction over these stretches of land and river will enhance the authority of the Department to secure the U.S. southern border from unlawful entry and to maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States." This underscores the administration's commitment to safeguarding the nation's borders and upholding its sovereignty.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Air Force announced its oversight of a National Defense Area covering approximately 250 miles of the Rio Grande River in Texas' Hidalgo and Cameron Counties. The Air Force detailed the operational responsibilities of Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) service members, who will work under the direction of USNORTHCOM. Their duties include "enhanced detection and monitoring through stationary positions and mobile patrols, temporarily detaining trespassers until they are transferred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, and supporting the installation of temporary barriers, and signage to secure the area."
The establishment of these National Defense Areas is part of a broader strategy to "strengthen interagency coordination and bolster security operations along the U.S. southern border," as explained by the Air Force. This initiative is not an isolated effort but rather the latest in a series of military zones designed to enhance border security. Previously, the Defense Department set up National Defense Areas in Texas and New Mexico, aligning with U.S. Northern Command's comprehensive approach to homeland defense.
The first of these areas was created in New Mexico on April 21, encompassing roughly 170 miles of land as an extension of Fort Huachuca. A second area was established in West Texas on May 1, covering about 63 miles as part of an extension of Fort Bliss.
These measures reflect USNORTHCOM's ongoing mission as the Department of Defense's operational lead for homeland defense, ensuring the territorial integrity of the United States' southern border. The administration's actions highlight a commitment to national security and the protection of American sovereignty, addressing long-standing concerns about border security and illegal entry.
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