US Establishes Second Military Zone at Mexico Border to Discourage Migrant Crossings

The United States military has recently established a second designated military area along its southern border with Mexico, furthering its efforts to manage immigration and maintain national security. The newest zone, known as the Texas National Defense Area, extends for 100 kilometers (63 miles) east from the Texas-New Mexico border at El Paso. This development follows the initiation of a similar military encampment in New Mexico, which was designated last month.

This strategic move comes during a period marked by President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration policies, aimed at controlling border crossings and maintaining the integrity of U.S. laws. Under these new measures, military personnel are permitted to temporarily detain migrants and individuals trespassing within the newly established zones. Following their detention, the individuals are expected to be handed over to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or other civilian law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over unauthorized border crossings.

The Pentagon reports that the military’s involvement is primarily to facilitate the orderly processing of migrants, rather than to replace civilian law enforcement. In a recent week, 82 migrants were charged for illegally crossing into the military zone in New Mexico; however, they were not detained by U.S. troops, as CBP officials managed their cases directly.

These military zones are designed to enhance border security while avoiding the invocation of the Insurrection Act of 1807, which traditionally allows for military deployment solely in response to civil disorder. Presently, approximately 11,900 troops are stationed at the border, a measure that has coincided with a notable decrease in the number of migrants apprehended illegally crossing into the United States in recent months.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is a vocal supporter of the Trump administration’s border policies, has touted the construction of enhanced physical barriers, including razor wire, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to deter illegal immigration. Governor Abbott has collaborated closely with federal authorities to fortify border security measures.

Conversely, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed opposition to these military-designated zones, characterizing them as unnecessary “deportation buffer zones.” Notably, she has raised concerns regarding resource allocation, especially in light of declining migrant crossings.

As the situation evolves, the implications of these military zones for U.S. immigration policy and the experiences of migrants continue to attract significant attention. Both supporters and critics are closely monitoring the developments as discussions around immigration and border security persist.

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