In a significant escalation of border security efforts, President Donald Trump has signed a memo transferring control of a narrow strip of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border—known as the Roosevelt Reservation—to the Department of Defense. The move aims to enhance migrant apprehensions and expand the military’s role in border operations.
The Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot-wide stretch of land spanning California, Arizona, and New Mexico, was originally set aside in the early 1900s by President Theodore Roosevelt to deter smuggling. Now, under Trump’s directive, it will serve a new purpose: military jurisdiction. This reclassification raises the possibility of legal consequences for individuals found crossing the land without authorization.
A Pentagon official confirmed that the Department of the Interior is preparing to hand over authority, although the transfer had not been finalized as of Monday afternoon. Military operations are expected to begin near Fort Huachuca, Arizona, as part of an initial rollout.
Military’s Expanding Role Along the Border
This development marks a notable shift in how the federal government deploys military forces for domestic operations, especially in the context of immigration enforcement. Legal scholars have expressed alarm over the potential violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that restricts the military from engaging in civilian law enforcement activities.
Historically, military personnel supporting border missions have been limited to surveillance and logistical support roles. However, in recent months, the Department of Defense has expanded those duties, allowing troops to patrol border areas alongside Customs and Border Protection agents. These patrols have included armored Stryker vehicles, indicating a more active military presence than in past deployments.
New Detention Facility Underway at Fort Bliss
Parallel to the Roosevelt Reservation action, construction is underway at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for a new migrant detention center. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the Army to oversee contracts related to the facility’s construction and maintenance. Army officials say the site is being prepared to house up to 5,000 detainees, although specifics about who will be held remain unclear.
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While the facility will be located on a military base, it will be operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with private contractor Deployed Resources managing infrastructure. The company is known for rapidly constructing large tent-based camps, which could allow quicker setup than permanent structures—though concerns remain about their ability to provide adequate care and sanitation.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Mount
Critics say the administration’s actions blur the lines between military support and law enforcement, raising constitutional concerns. Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center for Justice noted that the original intent of the Roosevelt Reservation did not include militarization or law enforcement activities.
“This goes far beyond the land’s original purpose,” Goitein said. “They’re using this as a loophole to permit military involvement in immigration enforcement, which directly contradicts the spirit of the Posse Comitatus Act.”
The recent move also comes amid controversy surrounding deportation procedures. In one high-profile case, the Trump administration mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a legal U.S. resident, to El Salvador. Despite a Supreme Court order to allow his return, the administration has refused to comply.
Troops Describe Changing Mission
In California, soldiers from Task Force-716, composed mainly of military police, described their evolving role along the border. Initially limited to observation, these troops are now conducting mobile patrols. Lt. Col. Phillip Mason, who leads the task force, said the new strategy gives troops more flexibility and a better understanding of border activity.
“We’ve transitioned from static observation to active patrolling,” Mason explained. “That mobility enhances our ability to support CBP and respond to developments on the ground.”
Sgt. DeAndre Swinson, who helps oversee guard operations, confirmed that his team has started participating in regular patrols, typically in groups of four soldiers.
A Rapidly Expanding Mission
Over 10,000 troops are now deployed to the southern border, reflecting a broader military engagement in immigration matters. Their roles include not only border patrols and facility construction, but also assisting with deportation logistics and even overseeing operations at Guantanamo Bay.
As these military missions continue to evolve, experts warn of the legal and ethical implications of using armed forces in roles traditionally handled by civilian agencies. The Trump administration’s approach is pushing the boundaries of long-standing laws that are intended to preserve the separation between military and civilian authority in domestic matters.
