President Trump is back in command—and America’s border is finally being defended. In a powerful move to restore law and order, the Trump administration has designated 260 miles along the Texas and New Mexico border as active military zones, giving U.S. troops the authority to detain illegal border crossers for the first time in modern history.

U.S. Military Authorized to Detain Illegals in New Defense Areas

President Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, announced that these border sections will now function as extensions of U.S. Army bases, a move that ends the era of catch-and-release and toothless enforcement under Joe Biden. U.S. Northern Command confirmed troops are now empowered to conduct installation security operations, detain trespassers, and protect America’s sovereignty.

On June 3, U.S. Army personnel made history by detaining three illegal immigrants near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, before transferring them to Border Patrol. Major Geoffrey Carmichael stated, “This marks the first time Department of Defense personnel have recorded a temporary detainment within either National Defense Area.”

This is not symbolic. It’s the return of law and order at our border—and a message to the world: The invasion ends now.

Military Presence Is Already Working

U.S. troops stationed in the new military zones have detected nearly 400 illegal crossings in just days. Their primary mission: detect, deter, and detain. This rapid response already proves that President Trump’s leadership gets results, unlike the Democrat-led chaos of recent years.

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Be alert, do not panic or engage!!! The military is obviously prepared and ready.

We knew this was coming after 4 years of open borders!!! Pray! pic.twitter.com/kodDQuZ79z

— Jordan Clark (@itsjordanclark) June 9, 2025

The authority granted under these National Defense Areas allows troops to perform safety searches and hold trespassers until law enforcement arrives. It’s a critical new layer of security that protects Americans and stops illegal entry before it spreads into our communities.

No more excuses. No more loopholes. Just clear, strong action to defend our nation.

A Clear Contrast to Democrat Failures

This decisive Trump-led action highlights the catastrophic border failure of the Biden-Harris regime, which saw over 8 million illegal crossings, fentanyl flooding in, and violent criminals released into our neighborhoods. Now, under new leadership, America is reclaiming control of its southern border.

This was their Plan all along!! Why do you think it was military aged males that were coming through the border? https://t.co/QTrDxA9BrX

— Renee (@TexasCowgrl1111) June 8, 2025

Democrats pushed for sanctuary cities, open borders, and taxpayer-funded benefits for illegals. Trump is delivering military-enforced borders, legal consequences, and real deterrents.

Secretary Hegseth’s move is more than a policy shift—it’s a promise kept to the American people.

The deployment of troops and creation of military zones reasserts the rule of law and sends a loud and clear message: The United States of America will protect its people, its borders, and its future.

Sources:

US troops detain ‘illegal aliens’ in military zones along US-Mexico border

US troops make first detentions in Trump border military zones | Reuters