The Trump administration has initiated a series of measures aimed at enhancing border security and enforcing immigration laws. These actions include the establishment of militarized zones along the U.S.-Mexico border, the reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, and the introduction of the ‘Project Homecoming’ initiative.
In late April 2025, the administration designated specific areas in New Mexico and western Texas as ‘National Defense Areas.’ Control of these zones has been transferred to the military, authorizing troops to temporarily detain individuals entering these regions. While arrests remain under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), immigrants found within these zones face additional national security charges, potentially extending prison sentences by 18 months. Approximately 400 cases have been filed in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with defense attorneys requesting dismissals and questioning the standard of proof required for these new charges. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison claims immigrant entry is deliberate, citing extensive signage in Spanish and English. Civil rights groups and Senator Martin Heinrich have raised concerns over the militarization of previously public lands, warning of threats to civil liberties and local residents’ access. The Justice Department emphasizes these military areas are essential for national security. Overall, the measures reflect the administration’s intensified immigration enforcement strategy and efforts to expedite deportations. (apnews.com)
The establishment of these zones has led to legal ambiguities. Defense lawyers argue that migrants and locals are often unaware they are entering restricted areas, leading to stalled legal proceedings. Senator Heinrich has urged the Army to clearly mark the boundaries of the 110,000-acre zone in New Mexico. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that migrants crossing illegally into these zones could face up to 10 years in prison. Local officials and citizens question the safety and legality of activities like hiking and hunting in these areas. A judicial ruling on the required legal intent for prosecution is expected soon, as the court evaluates whether individuals knowingly entered the military zones. (reuters.com)
In addition to these measures, President Trump announced ‘Project Homecoming’ on May 9, 2025. This initiative encourages undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States by offering federal support, including a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance. Migrants who choose not to leave voluntarily may face increased enforcement and penalties. The plan includes threats of steep fines, revoking legal status, and deportation to harsh detention facilities. The administration has pledged to carry out a large-scale deportation surge and plans to mobilize an additional 20,000 officers to target individuals residing in the country illegally. The administration has not clarified which agencies these extra officers would come from. Advocacy groups have criticized the program and urged migrants to seek legal counsel before making decisions. (reuters.com)
Furthermore, the administration has reinstated the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed. This policy aims to reduce the number of individuals entering the U.S. while awaiting asylum decisions. The administration has also ended the use of the CBP One app, which facilitated migrant entry by allowing them to schedule appointments for inspection and asylum applications. These actions are part of a broader strategy to enhance border security and enforce immigration laws. (apnews.com)
The implementation of these policies has introduced several challenges. The establishment of militarized zones has led to legal ambiguities, with defense lawyers arguing that migrants and locals are often unaware they are entering restricted areas. This has resulted in stalled legal proceedings, as courts evaluate whether individuals knowingly entered the military zones. Additionally, the ‘Project Homecoming’ initiative requires significant resources to process voluntary departures and enforce penalties for non-compliance. The administration’s plan to mobilize an additional 20,000 officers to target individuals residing in the country illegally has raised questions about the source of these personnel and the potential impact on existing law enforcement agencies. The reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy and the termination of the CBP One app have also faced criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that these measures may place migrants in vulnerable situations and limit their access to legal resources.
Despite these challenges, the administration remains committed to its border security strategy. The establishment of militarized zones, the ‘Project Homecoming’ initiative, and the reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy are all part of a comprehensive approach to enforce immigration laws and secure the nation’s borders. While these measures have introduced certain complexities, the administration believes that, with time and proper oversight, the system will function effectively. This may involve the expansion of government staff and the development of additional regulations to ensure the successful implementation of these policies.
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Lisa Grant reports on immigration enforcement, border operations, and national security protocols. She studied political science at Arizona State University and previously worked as a legislative staffer on immigration reform. Her reporting brings a field-level understanding of border policy and how it is applied in communities across the Southwest.