The transfer of the public land to the Army installation allows for criminal prosecution of illegal aliens.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited the New Mexico National Defense Area, the Army base that President Trump’s administration extended along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Defense Department added an area to the military base that is 60 feet wide and 170 miles long. While federal law prohibits military personnel from engaging in law enforcement operations, the new designation allows military personnel to aid in the detention of immigrants, since they are violating a restricted military zone.
“This is Department of Defense property,” Secretary Hegseth said in a speech to troops stationed at the base. “Any illegal [attempt] to enter that zone is entering a military base — a federally protected area. You will be detained. You will be interdicted by U.S. troops and border patrol working together.”
“You’ve got signs like this one all across the border wall facing into Mexico — clear English, clear Spanish,” he added.
The Department of Justice charged a migrant this past week in its first criminal case for entering a restricted military zone.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Hegseth to receive God’s guidance as he heads the Defense Department.
- For Pentagon officials to be discerning as they provide the president and defense secretary with information and recommendations.
Sources: Department of Defense, Stars and Stripes, Washington Post
