Army takes control of federal land along New Mexico border to increase security

On Tuesday, Interior Minister Doug Burgoum New Mexico visited the US military to announce control of the US military nearly 110,000 acres of federal territory along the border between the United States and Mexico, the latest attempt to reduce illegal immigration and trafficking.

109,651 acres of federal lands will be transferred to the army for a period of three years, taking into account existing rights, according to a statement issued by the US Department of Interior.

The move comes after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum last week, “a military mission to seal the southern border of the United States and cool invasions”, while directing the defense, interior, agriculture and internal security to control federal lands “reasonably necessary to enable military activities.”

The key in the government’s judicial mandate will allow the protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources in the region, while helping the army to support American border patrols in securing the borders and preventing illegal immigration, according to the Ministry of Interior.

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“Securing our borders and protecting the resources of our nation are side by side,” Burgum said in the statement. “The American people gave President Trump a mandate to make America safe and strong again. “

Burgum said that the change reflects the internal commitment to public safety, national security and responsible supervision of public lands.

Migrants are on the southern border in Arizona. (American border patrol)

Trump orders the army to control federal lands on the southern border

The army requested transportation on “emergency basis”, so that they can increase regular patrols by federal employees.

Trump declared a national emergency earlier this year along the southern border.

The army will also be able to build the infrastructure to prevent illegal immigrants, human and drug traders from crossing the border.

Customs agents and US border protection from the Holton illegal border hub in March 2025. (American Customs and Border Protection)

The administration noted that the crisis along the border is not limited to national security concerns and law enforcement, but also “providing an environmental crisis.”

Nearly twenty of federal endangered species live in the region, which was previously run by the Land Management Office.

The region also contains cultural sites ranging from scattering of a small artifact to multi -layer Pueblos, which can be damaged through frequent traffic, use of unorganized vehicles and creating unofficial paths or camps, according to the statement.

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The illegal crossings with high movement can lead to soil erosion, damage to fragile vegetation and critical wildlife habitats, loss and damage to cultural resources, and an increase in the risk of fire and pollution from human waste and human waste.

The administration admitted that some lands transferred to the army are necessary for the livelihoods of local communities and said that the Land Administration Office will work with the army to ensure the continuation of “some uses” to support local grazing and mining.