Trump Authorizes American Troops To Do What?

American troops now have expanded powers to detain and search undocumented immigrants in New Mexico a new role that marks a significant shift in how the military supports border enforcement efforts, according to U.S. Northern Command (Northcom).

Northcom confirmed that service members “have been delegated the authority” to carry out security support operations within the New Mexico National Defense Area, a stretch of land along the U.S.-Mexico border that is now under the jurisdiction of the Army’s Fort Huachuca, based in neighboring Arizona.

Under this new authorization, troops stationed in the area are allowed to temporarily detain individuals lacking proper documentation, conduct searches, provide medical aid, and manage crowds until federal law enforcement can take custody of those individuals. This marks the first time troops have been granted these responsibilities in the region as part of the Trump administration’s intensifying immigration enforcement campaign.

The military also has permission to assist with setting up temporary infrastructure like fences, barriers, and signage if requested, according to Northcom.

Northcom Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot emphasized the importance of the expanded powers in a statement, saying, “Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners.”

He added that Joint Task Force–Southern Border, the military’s dedicated border security support unit, will bolster surveillance efforts using vehicle and foot patrols, helicopters, and fixed surveillance systems across the area.

This shift comes after President Trump issued a directive on April 11 transferring control of the Roosevelt Reservation a narrow federal strip of land running along the border from the Department of the Interior to the Defense Department for a period of three years. The move was made to enhance the administration’s support for Border Patrol operations in New Mexico and further assert military control over border regions where undocumented crossings remain high.

Critics of the administration’s immigration policies have expressed concern about the growing involvement of the military in what has traditionally been a civilian law enforcement role, citing potential legal and human rights implications. The White House has defended the move as a necessary step to protect national security and maintain order in border areas overwhelmed by illegal crossings.