US Military Militarizes One-Third of Southern Border, Detains Over 1,400 Migrants

Under President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration on the border, the U.S. military has established expansive militarized zones covering nearly one-third of the southern border with Mexico. These zones, patrolled by over 7,600 troops, empower military personnel to temporarily detain migrants who enter these restricted areas, circumventing the Posse Comitatus Act's restrictions on military involvement in civilian law enforcement. More than 1,400 migrants have faced charges of trespassing on military territory, with potential prison sentences up to 18 months in addition to illegal entry charges, before being handed over to Customs and Border Protection for deportation. The military zones span long stretches of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and have led to thousands of posted warnings restricting public access, drawing criticism from civil rights groups, humanitarian organizations, and local residents concerned about safety, constitutional legality, and migrant deaths in harsh desert conditions. Supporters argue that these zones help close enforcement gaps and combat human smuggling and drug cartels, while opponents raise concerns about the militarization of public lands and potential risks of military encounters for civilians. Legal challenges are underway questioning the constitutionality of this military role on U.S. soil without congressional approval.