Trump authorizes military to take control of federal land on US southern border
a year ago
- #Trump Administration
- #US-Mexico Border
- #Military Jurisdiction
- President Trump instructed federal departments to allow military use of federal land along the US-Mexico border.
- The memo directs the military to take a more direct role in border security, including jurisdiction over certain federal lands.
- Jurisdiction includes the Roosevelt Reservation for border wall construction and monitoring equipment, excluding Federal Indian Reservations.
- Trump mandated increased military presence at the border, with troops aiding in the administration's border mission.
- The memo leverages the national emergency declaration to authorize land use by the Department of Defense.
- Plans include designating federal lands as a military installation, with migrants detained for trespassing until DHS arrives.
- The military's role in detaining migrants may circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act by labeling areas as 'holding' zones.
- The memo allows for expansion of military activities to additional federal lands as deemed necessary.
- Armed Forces will adhere to use-of-force rules set by the Secretary of Defense.