President Donald Trump has formally ordered the U.S. military to take over sections of the southern border, directing troops to repel unlawful entry and expand physical barriers, according to a new presidential memorandum issued April 11, 2025.
The move follows his January executive order that assigned the Armed Forces the mission of repelling what he called an “invasion” at the border. The latest order authorizes expanded military control over federal lands for security operations, surveillance equipment, and barrier construction.
Military Will Control Federal Lands at Border
Trump’s directive authorizes the Department of Defense to assume jurisdiction over large areas of federal land near the border — including the Roosevelt Reservation — but excludes Indian Reservations. These zones may be designated as National Defense Areas, giving the military broad authority over who can enter.
Under the order, the Interior and Agriculture Departments must cooperate by granting access and, in some cases, transferring legal control of lands to the military.
Border Wall Construction and Surveillance to Expand
The memorandum permits the military to install new barriers, sensors, and monitoring systems to seal off the border. These actions are expected to begin in a limited sector, but the Secretary of Defense may expand operations across additional areas after a 45-day review.
The military will also enforce rules for engagement set by the Pentagon, with an emphasis on securing border regions as part of national defense strategy.
Legal Powers and Emergency Authority Invoked
Citing the Internal Security Act of 1950, Title 10 of the U.S. Code, and Proclamation 10886, the president invoked sweeping emergency powers to bypass normal restrictions on land use. The order allows for rapid land withdrawal and use under the Engle Act, which typically limits defense-related land grabs.
Border Mission May Expand Quickly
While the military’s mission will start in a designated area, Trump’s order gives the Defense Secretary the power to scale operations quickly in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies.
Members of the National Guard could also be activated under state authority to support these efforts if requested by federal officials.
No Civilian Legal Rights Created
The memo clarifies that it does not create enforceable rights for any civilian or outside party, and implementation is subject to funding availability.
As the 2024 campaign trail’s major themes carry into 2025, this move marks one of the most aggressive border security initiatives ever initiated by a U.S. president during peacetime.
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