Former President Donald Trump has approved a sweeping new order that allows the U.S. military to take control of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border. The move gives the armed forces more power to help stop illegal crossings and build border security structures. The decision, made late Friday, adds to a series of hardline steps by Trump’s administration aimed at reshaping immigration enforcement.

Military Takes Bigger Role at the Border

The order, titled “Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions,” declares that the southern border faces ongoing threats. It claims the situation now needs direct action from the U.S. military.

The Department of Defense will now oversee parts of the Roosevelt Reservation. This strip of land, 60 feet wide, stretches across parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Troops assigned to this mission will have the power to detain anyone caught crossing into the land without permission. After being detained, migrants will be handed over to immigration officers.

In addition to detentions, military units may also take part in building new walls or barriers. They can also place surveillance tools along the border. The order gives Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth 45 days to review how well the mission is working. If needed, he can also expand the amount of land under military control. However, Native American lands are not part of this plan and are excluded from the directive.

A Shift in Border Policy

This latest order represents a major change in how border enforcement works. Until now, the military’s role was mostly limited to supporting Border Patrol efforts through tasks like surveillance or logistics. But this new move allows troops to act more directly—something critics say edges close to violating key U.S. laws.

One of those laws is the Posse Comitatus Act, which stops the U.S. military from carrying out law enforcement duties on U.S. soil. Trump’s memo tries to get around that by giving troops the ability to detain but not arrest, and to assist federal immigration officers instead of replacing them.

Legal experts are already raising alarms. “This could be seen as an effort to bypass the law,” said constitutional scholar Linda Farrow. “Military involvement in immigration should be limited. We need civilian oversight and due process.”

New Rules Add Pressure on Immigrants

This new military role follows several policy changes by Trump’s administration in recent months. Just days before the order, a federal judge upheld an old but rarely used rule that allows the government to require non-citizens to register with federal authorities. This law dates back to the 1940s, but it has not been enforced in decades.

In February, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to bring back this rule. They warned that people who fail to register could face heavy fines or even jail. Human rights groups have voiced strong opposition, saying the move targets immigrant communities and creates fear without making the country safer.

“This is not about safety,” said Maria Delgado of the Immigration Defense Network. “It’s about control and politics. Families are living in fear again.”

Trump Links Border to Drug Crisis, Despite Data

Trump and his supporters have long said that stopping illegal border crossings will help reduce drug trafficking, especially fentanyl. During rallies and speeches, Trump often claims that the border is the main route for illegal drugs.

But research and arrest records show a different story. Studies by the U.S. Sentencing Commission reveal that over 90% of people convicted of fentanyl trafficking are U.S. citizens—not undocumented immigrants. Most drugs enter through legal ports of entry, hidden in vehicles or cargo.

Still, Trump’s team argues that every step to block the border adds safety. “Even one less shipment of drugs is a win,” said White House advisor Stephen Myles.

Political Impact and Response

The decision to give the military more control at the border is expected to spark a political battle. Supporters say it shows strong leadership. Critics call it a dangerous step toward military control of civilian areas.

Many Republican lawmakers have praised the move, calling it bold and overdue. “The border has been open too long,” said Senator Rick Halley (R-TX). “It’s time to act.”

On the other hand, Democrats and civil rights groups are preparing legal challenges. They argue that the order risks violating both the Constitution and international law.

What Comes Next

Secretary Hegseth is expected to visit the border in the coming weeks. His report on the mission’s success, due in 45 days, could shape future actions. If the plan shows results, Trump may push for even more military involvement.

Meanwhile, immigrant communities and advocacy groups are organizing protests. They want the courts to stop the plan before it expands. Many fear the order will bring more confusion, chaos, and harm to families already struggling with the immigration system.

The Trump administration’s new order gives the U.S. military greater power than ever before in the fight to secure the southern border. Supporters call it a bold move to stop illegal entry and drug crime. Critics see it as a dangerous shift in U.S. policy. With legal challenges likely and public debate heating up, the coming weeks could decide how far the military can go in shaping America’s borders.