The Trump administration is actively working on a controversial plan that would create a militarized buffer zone on the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. This proposal aims to establish a 60-foot zone where active-duty troops would be stationed with the authority to detain migrants unlawfully crossing into the United States. As reported by The Washington Post, this plan transforms the border into a quasi-military installation, where migrants entering the designated area would be treated as "trespassing" on a military base.
The initiative focuses specifically on sections of the border near Sunland Park, which lies in proximity to El Paso, Texas. This area has historically seen heavy crossing attempts, particularly as border fencing ends at the base of Mount Cristo Rey. With the new plan, it would symbolize the first time U.S. military troops are directly involved in immigration enforcement, raising serious questions regarding legality and the application of military personnel in domestic law enforcement duties.
The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 typically bars military personnel from participating in civilian law enforcement. However, exemptions can be made at the president's discretion. The language shaping this proposal is reportedly being crafted with care to navigate these legal restrictions. Adam Isacson, a national security expert from the Washington Office on Latin America, explained the potential challenges that this could present within the Pentagon. "There will be pushback inside the Pentagon," Isacson noted. "Even those who are in favor inside are going to have to wrangle some legal authority and be clear on rules of engagement. Nobody is more nervous about soldiers being involved in an incident with civilians on U.S. soil than the military itself."
This proposed border militarization aligns with ongoing efforts from the state of Texas under Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, which has been in effect since March 2021. The operation has already cost Texas taxpayers an estimated $11 billion, with requests for nearly $3 billion more for the years 2025 and 2026. Texas National Guard troops and Department of Public Safety officers have been deployed along the border to mitigate illegal immigration, contributing to a fortified presence that includes miles of razor wire and additional sections of the border wall.
Currently, the U.S. has about 9,600 troops deployed to or scheduled for deployment at the border. In addition, the Mexican government has deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to counter human trafficking and drug smuggling, signifying a broader regional approach to address these issues.
Interestingly, the Trump administration's move to enhance military presence at the border comes amid a substantial decline in migrant encounters at the southern border. In February 2025, there were only 2,110 encounters reported by Border Patrol in the El Paso sector, a stark contrast to the 23,919 encounters recorded in February 2024. This led Isacson to characterize the troop deployment as "performative" rather than a tactical necessity.
The political and social implications of militarizing the border are significant and could potentially set a precedent for future administration policies on immigration enforcement. As the Biden administration continues to navigate complex immigration challenges, this push by the Trump administration could reignite longstanding debates over the role of military forces in civilian matters.
Public opinion on the militarization of the border remains divided, with advocates arguing for stringent measures to secure the country’s borders, while opponents assert that such actions escalate tensions and harm vulnerable populations seeking refuge. The outcome of this proposal and its reception will likely influence future immigration policies and enforcement strategies.
As this narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the intersection of domestic security, military engagement, and humanitarian concerns will be at the forefront of discussions surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
