Donald Trump Expands US Military Role at Southern Border

President Donald Trump on Friday issued a presidential memorandum directing the U.S. military to take a more direct role in securing the southern border, including repelling unlawful entries and sealing the border to maintain “the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States.”

The memorandum builds upon executive orders that declared a national emergency at the southern border.​

Trump’s memorandum authorizes the use of certain federal lands—including the Roosevelt Reservation—for military operations such as building barriers and installing surveillance equipment.

The directive would primarily involve the four U.S. states that share a border with Mexico: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The Roosevelt Reservation is a 60-foot-wide strip of federal land running along the U.S. side of the border in parts of these states.

The memorandum allows for these lands to be designated as “National Defense Areas” and provides legal mechanisms for jurisdictional transfer to the Department of Defense.

According to the memorandum, the implementation will begin in a limited sector along the border, with a 45-day assessment period, and can be expanded at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. The memo ensures military personnel will operate under established rules of force and reaffirms Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s authority to involve the National Guard if necessary.

While the directive does not alter existing legal rights or create enforceable claims, it marks an escalation in federal border enforcement strategy, emphasizing military control and use of public lands.

This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.

Update: 4/11/25, 7:34 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.