The United States has expanded its military presence at the southern border

specifically in Texas, with the establishment of the Texas National Defense Area. This move is part of a broader effort to control illegal border crossings and is linked to Fort Bliss, a major US Army base in El Paso. Here’s what’s happening ¹:

– Key Features of the Texas National Defense Area:

    – Expanded Military Jurisdiction: The area covers 63 miles along the Texas-New Mexico border, where soldiers can detain, search, and aid migrants.

    – Military Equipment Stryker armored combat vehicles have been deployed to monitor and secure the border zone.

    – Cooperation with Law Enforcement Troops will work alongside Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to detain and process migrants.

Impact and Reactions:

– Border Crossings: The number of migrants caught trying to cross has dropped significantly, with 11,709 apprehended in February 2025, down from 61,447 in January.

– Governor Reactions: Texas Governor Greg Abbott supports the move, while New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has criticized it as a “deportation buffer zone”.

– Concerns: Some worry about the impact on local communities, businesses, and civil liberties, while others see it as a necessary measure for border security.

Military Deployment:

– Troop Numbers: Approximately 11,900 military personnel are stationed along the southern border.

– Unit Deployments Active-duty Army units, including the 89th Military Police Brigade, are deployed to the border ².

The expansion of military zones and increased troop presence aim to deter illegal crossings, but its effectiveness and implications remain a topic of debate ³.