US EditionU.S. Expands Militarized Zones to 1/3 of Southern Border
- The U.S. government has designated nearly one-third of the southern border as militarized zones, including a 230-mile buffer starting near Fort Hancock and extending past El Paso into areas of New Mexico, alongside a newly established 250-mile zone in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas and additional plans for a similar zone close to Yuma, Arizona.
- These zones were established under a national emergency concerning the border, announced by President Donald Trump shortly after he took office, circumventing congressional approval and increasing the military's operational role within the United States.
- The military has installed numerous warning signs marking restricted zones, granting troops the authority to apprehend unauthorized individuals, while local residents and advocacy groups have voiced varied concerns about access to public lands, humanitarian consequences, and ongoing legal disputes.
- Border Patrol arrests have dropped to a six-decade low, with only 137 arrests on June 28, 2025, following a 30% decrease from the prior month and historically low apprehensions of around 6,000 in June versus 7,000 in June 2024.
- The expanded military presence aims to combat human smuggling and strengthen border security, but critics warn that achieving these goals through punitive measures and restricted access may have negative humanitarian and legal implications.
21 Articles
21 Articles
U.S. expands militarized zones to 1/3 of southern border, stirring controversy
COLUMBUS, N.M. (AP) — Orange no-entry signs posted by the U.S. military in English and Spanish dot the New Mexico desert, where a border wall cuts past onion fields and parched ranches with tufts of tall grass growing amidst wiry brush and yucca trees.
San Diego Union Tribune
Independent EspañolOrange markings and written in English and Spanish about prohibition of entry, placed by the U.S. military, dot the New Mexico desert, where a border wall crosses onion fields and dry ranches with high grass wicks that grow between thin bushes and cassava trees. The U.S. Army has placed thousands of these warnings in New Mexico and West Texas, declaring a “restricted area by the commander’s authority.” It is part of a major change that has promp…
US Expands Militarized Zones to 1/3 of Southern Border
Orange no-entry signs posted by the U.S. military in English and Spanish dot the New Mexico desert, where a border wall cuts past onion fields and parched ranches with tufts of tall grass growing amidst wiry brush and yucca trees.
Orange markings and written in English and Spanish about prohibition of entry, placed by the U.S. military, dot the New Mexico desert, where a border wall crosses onion fields and dry ranches with high grass wicks that grow between thin bushes and cassava trees. The U.S. Army has placed thousands of these warnings in New Mexico and West Texas, declaring a "restricted area by the commander's authority." It is part of a major change that has promp…
US Expands Militarized Zones To 1/3 Of Southern Border, Stirring Controversy
Orange no-entry signs posted by the U.S. military in English and Spanish dot the New Mexico desert, where a border wall cuts past onion fields and parched ranches with tufts of tall grass growing amidst wiry brush and yucca trees. The Army has posted thousands of the warnings in New Mexico and western Texas, declaring a “restricted area by authority of the commander.” It’s part of a major shift that has thrust the military into border enforcemen…
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