Trump Administration Establishes Militarized Zone Along California-Mexico Border
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In a significant move to intensify border security, the Trump administration announced on December 10, 2025, the creation of a militarized zone spanning approximately 760 acres along the California-Mexico border. The newly designated National Defense Area, situated within San Diego and Imperial Counties, will be placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy for a period of three years, marking a notable expansion of military authority in the region.
The Department of the Interior detailed that this corridor, stretching from the western boundary of the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area to roughly one mile west of the California-Arizona state line, has long been a high-traffic area for unauthorized crossings. By transferring control to the Navy, federal officials aim to “strengthen ongoing border security operations,” enabling personnel to detain individuals suspected of illegal trespassing on U.S. soil.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “President Trump has made it clear that securing our border and restoring American sovereignty are top national priorities. This action delivers on that commitment. By working with the Navy to close long-standing security gaps, we are strengthening national defense, protecting our public lands from unlawful use, and advancing the President’s agenda to put the safety and security of the American people first.”
The establishment of the National Defense Area aligns with the land’s original designation by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 for border protection purposes. The Interior Department coordinated closely with the Navy to ensure that the militarization is lawful and consistent with this historical intent. Officials also highlighted that the corridor’s heavy traffic contributes not only to national security challenges but also to environmental degradation, and that the new measures will “enhance border operations while minimizing ecological damage” caused by sustained illegal activity.
This development follows similar actions taken by the administration in recent months, which have seen the establishment of National Defense Areas in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to deploy federal troops and expand military authority along the southern border in response to rising concerns over illegal migration and border-related crime.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection underscores the persistent challenges faced in border regions, with certain corridors identified as hotspots for unauthorized crossings. The militarized zone in California is expected to bolster federal capabilities in monitoring and securing these vulnerable areas.
While the move has been lauded by supporters as a decisive step toward restoring border integrity, it has also raised questions regarding the balance between security and civil liberties. The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have historically expressed concerns about the expansion of military authority in civilian border zones.
Nonetheless, the administration maintains that the militarized zone will operate within legal frameworks and is a necessary response to ongoing security threats. The Department of the Interior’s announcement follows guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and aligns with broader federal efforts to enhance border enforcement.
As the Navy assumes control, federal agents will conduct operations aimed at deterring illegal crossings and apprehending those violating U.S. laws. The initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to border security that includes technological enhancements, increased personnel deployment, and interagency cooperation.
For more information on border security operations and federal initiatives, visit the Department of the Interior and U.S. Navy official websites.
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