Pentagon to set up 2 more military buffer zones near border in Arizona and Texas

The United States Defense Department is taking steps to enhance security along the southwestern border with Mexico by establishing two new military buffer zones. This decision brings the total number of “National Defense Areas” to four, where U.S. military personnel have the authority to temporarily detain undocumented migrants who trespass on what are now considered extensions of U.S. military bases.

The primary purpose of these buffer zones is not to carry out law enforcement duties but to detain trespassers until they can be transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel. The Air Force recently announced plans to transfer a 250-mile stretch of the border in Texas, along the Rio Grande River in Cameron and Hidalgo counties, to be considered part of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

Additionally, another buffer zone will be established in western Arizona and will be under the jurisdiction of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma. The Marine Corps has yet to make a formal announcement regarding the establishment of this new National Defense Area, which is expected to extend for 100 miles.

Previously, the Pentagon had established the Texas National Defense Area, covering 63 miles attached to Fort Bliss, Texas, and the New Mexico National Defense Area, covering 170 miles attached to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The Air Force stated that the Joint Task Force-Southern Border, under the direction of U.S. Northcom, will be responsible for operations within these zones.

Their duties will include enhanced detection and monitoring, temporary detainment of trespassers, and support in securing the area with barriers and signage. It is important to note that last month, a federal judge dismissed trespassing charges against 98 undocumented immigrants arrested in one of the National Defense Areas in New Mexico due to the government’s failure to prove they were aware they were entering a restricted zone.

As of mid-May, the Justice Department reported that 60 individuals had pleaded guilty to charges related to illegally entering the National Defense Area in western Texas. These new buffer zones aim to bolster security along the U.S.-Mexico border and prevent unauthorized entry into restricted military areas.