Donald Trump is moving forward with plans to expand military involvement at the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to address what he calls a “migrant crisis.” His administration is reportedly working on establishing a military-controlled buffer zone along the southern border, which would allow soldiers to temporarily detain individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.
The proposed zone, expected to be around 60 feet deep, could eventually extend into California. Under current laws, military personnel do not have the authority to arrest civilians outside of military bases, but they would be able to hold undocumented migrants until Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrive. This approach would also allow a portion of the Defense Department’s budget to be used for border enforcement efforts.
Trump recently invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to fast-track deportations, a law historically used during wartime to remove foreign nationals. However, his latest move raises legal concerns, particularly regarding the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prevents the military from engaging in domestic law enforcement. The administration has yet to address how it plans to navigate these restrictions.
The Department of Defense has not issued an official statement, and it remains unclear whether the plan will face legal challenges. However, Trump’s push to militarize the border signals a significant escalation in his immigration policies, reigniting debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties.
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