U. S. Northern Command announced on Monday that the United States government has been authorized to “detain” improper refugees along the southern border between the United States and Mexico as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
In a Monday press discharge, U. S. Northern Command said that support people have been “delegated the power and directed to perform installation safety support functions ” within the New Mexico National Defense Area. ”
U. S. Northern Command said, “Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB ) service members have been conducting improved detection and tracking since late March, 2025, which includes mobile ground-based aid to identify, track, and monitor activities of suspected illegal activity using military tactical cars or foot guards within regions assigned by Customs and Border Protection. ”
Monday’s media release explained that since the New Mexico National Defense Area is now considered to be part of the U. S. Army Fort Huachuca installation, service members who are part of the Joint Task Force-Southern Border operations in the New Mexico National Defense Area have been authorized to “temporarily apprehend intruders on the NMNDA until an ideal law enforcement entity may assume custody ” and to “conduct brief requests of intruders on the NMNDA to ensure the safety of U. S. service members and Department of Defense ( DoD ) property. ”
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Military members serving as part of the Joint Task Force-Southern Border operations have also been authorized to ensure the safety of U. S. service members and Department of Defense property by conducting various “crowd control measures” and to provide emergency medical support to “trespassers ” along the New Mexico National Defense Area to prevent any loss of life or injury.
Additionally, U. S. Northern Command said service members can now be requested to help install temporary fencing, barriers, and signage under the direction of the senior commander of Fort Huachuca.
“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, ” Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander of U. S. Northern Command, said in Monday’s press release.
Guillot added, “Joint Task Force-Southern Border will conduct enhanced detection and monitoring, which will include vehicle and foot patrols, rotary wing, and fixed surveillance site operations. ”
