In recent developments, the United States has intensified its border security measures, implementing a series of policies aimed at curbing illegal immigration and enhancing national security. These actions encompass the construction of physical barriers, the deployment of military personnel, and the establishment of new enforcement zones along the U.S.-Mexico border.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Securing Our Borders,” mandating the immediate resumption of border wall construction. This directive requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allocate all available federal funds toward completing the physical barrier along the southern border. The order also emphasizes the deployment of adequate personnel and technology to ensure complete operational control of the border. Additionally, it calls for the detention and prompt removal of individuals apprehended for violating immigration laws, as well as the prosecution of offenses related to human smuggling and trafficking. The administration asserts that these measures are essential to protect the American people from the effects of unlawful mass migration and to uphold national sovereignty. (whitehouse.gov)
In line with this directive, the Trump administration has transferred control of certain areas along the U.S.-Mexico border to the military, designating them as “National Defense Areas.” These zones, administered by military commands at Fort Bliss in Texas and Fort Huachuca in Arizona, grant troops the authority to detain immigrants temporarily. Individuals entering these zones face additional national security charges, potentially extending prison sentences by 18 months. Since late April 2025, approximately 400 cases have been filed in Las Cruces, New Mexico, under these new charges. Defense attorneys have raised questions regarding the standard of proof required for these charges, while civil rights groups and local officials have expressed concerns over the militarization of previously public lands and potential threats to civil liberties. The Justice Department maintains that these military areas are crucial for national security. (apnews.com)
The administration has also taken steps to discontinue programs perceived as facilitating illegal immigration. The CBP One app, initially launched in October 2020 to assist commercial trucking companies and later expanded to allow migrants to schedule asylum appointments, was shut down on January 20, 2025. Critics had argued that the app enabled individuals to enter the U.S. before their asylum claims were fully vetted, potentially leading to increased instances of “catch and release.” The app was later repurposed and relaunched in March 2025 as “CBP Home,” designed to assist illegal immigrants in self-deportation. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, individuals who use the app to leave the country voluntarily may have the opportunity to return legally in the future, whereas those subject to removal would not have a chance at legal residency. (en.wikipedia.org)
In addition to federal initiatives, state-level actions have contributed to the evolving border enforcement landscape. Texas’ “Operation Lone Star,” launched in March 2021, has involved the deployment of state resources to deter illegal crossings. The operation has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in July 2023 over the construction of floating barriers in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass. The lawsuit alleges that the barriers violate the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and pose hazards to navigation and public safety. In September 2023, a federal judge ordered Texas to remove the barriers, a decision that was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2023. The outcome of the case is pending an en banc rehearing in the Fifth Circuit. (en.wikipedia.org)
These enhanced border measures have led to a complex enforcement environment. The construction of physical barriers and the deployment of military personnel have raised questions about the balance between national security and civil liberties. The establishment of militarized zones and the imposition of additional charges on individuals entering these areas have introduced new legal considerations and potential challenges. The discontinuation and repurposing of programs like CBP One reflect a shift in the administration’s approach to managing immigration processes. State-level initiatives, such as Operation Lone Star, have added another layer to the enforcement landscape, resulting in legal disputes and ongoing litigation. That’s just where we are now.
As these policies continue to unfold, the administration emphasizes the necessity of these measures to secure the nation’s borders and protect its citizens. The implementation of these initiatives will require time, additional staffing, and oversight to address the complexities and challenges inherent in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining national security.
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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.