Trump to set up militarized zone along U.S.-Mexico border in California
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The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it plans to create a militarized zone along the U.S.-Mexico border in California to support border security operations for three years, the latest in a controversial series of moves aimed at securing the border amid the government’s immigration crackdown.Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a written statement that the agency plans to transfer about 760 acres of public land in San Diego and Imperial counties to the Department of the Navy, which will established a National Defense Area to support border operations.It’s the first time in decades that a large swath of public land has been transferred from the federal government to the military to establish a militarized zone along the U.S-Mexico border in California.But the Trump administration had taken similar actions elsewhere along the border this year — including in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas — as part of a larger campaign that included sending thousands of troops and military gear to the area.
Border crossings have hit new lows since Trump took office.In September, Southwest border apprehensions totaled 11,647, compared to 101,790 for the same month in 2024.Some local officials expressed concern about the move.San Diego County Supervisor Chair Terra Lawson-Remer said the federal government’s action is unnecessary, unwanted and threatens basic principles like the rule of law and civil liberties that are vital to a democracy.“To be honest, this is a pathetic, political agitprop designed to distract from the affordability crisis that Americans are facing every single day in the grocery store and in our day-to-day lives,” she said.U.S.
Rep.Juan Vargas (D-San Diego), whose district includes a portion of the U.S-Mexico border, lambasted Trump over the move.“I have serious concerns about repeated attempts to blur the lines between the military and immigra...