U.S. Troops Authorized to Detain Trespassers at New Mexico National Defense Area
NEW MEXICO — In a bold move to strengthen southern border security, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the newly created New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA) this week, declaring it federal military property where unauthorized entry will now result in detention.
“Any illegal who enters this zone is entering a military base — you will be detained,” Hegseth said, standing beside new signs warning in English and Spanish.
Established April 18, the NMNDA transfers over 109,000 acres to the Defense Department, empowering service members from Joint Task Force Southern Border to conduct patrols, detain trespassers, and support border control operations alongside Customs and Border Protection.
Since January, thousands of Marines, soldiers, and aviation units have surged to the border under President Donald J. Trump’s directive, shifting military forces from static surveillance to active interdiction.
Northcom Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot emphasized, “We will ensure those who illegally trespass are swiftly handed over to law enforcement.”
Declaring the situation a national emergency on Inauguration Day, the president ordered an aggressive strategy to stop cartels, traffickers, and illegal crossings threatening American sovereignty.
“For too long, our border was vulnerable,” Hegseth said. “We are regaining 100% operational control.”
The New Mexico National Defense Area marks a historic expansion of military support in America’s fight to secure the southern border.
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