Military members are now authorized to detain migrants who enter or reside in the country illegally within a designated area of New Mexico, according to U.S. Northern Command and President Donald Trump. The New Mexico National Defense Area spans 170 square miles along the U.S.-Mexico border and is under increased military surveillance to address illegal activity.
President Trump signed a memorandum allowing the military to control land to enhance border security measures.
Over 10,000 service members have been deployed to assist Customs and Border Protection at the southern border, and their operations will cost nearly $1 billion, according to estimates from the Defense Department.
