Border Security: Military Steps In

The border between the US and Mexico has become a hot topic. A recent move has given the military a bigger role in securing it. This decision came from a high-level order. It was sent out late on a Friday. The order was directed to key officials. It included the secretaries of interior, defense, homeland security, and agriculture. The main goal? To beef up border security. The order has a catchy title. It talks about sealing the border and repelling invasions. It gives the military more power. They can now take a more hands-on approach. Why? Because the border situation is complex. It needs more direct action. So, what does this mean? The Department of Defense will have control over federal lands. This includes a long, narrow strip called the Roosevelt Reservation. It runs through California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Troops can now detain immigrants on this land. They will hold them until immigration agents take over. The military can do more than just detain people. They can build barriers and set up monitoring equipment. All of this is to keep an eye on the border. After 45 days, the defense secretary will check on the progress. They can even expand the area of control if needed. There is one big exception. Native reservations are not included in this order. This move is just the latest in a series of actions. The focus has been on tightening immigration rules. For example, a federal judge recently allowed a rule. It requires non-citizens to register with the government. This rule has not been used much since the 1940s. The Department of Homeland Security announced this rule. They said those who don't register could face fines or jail time. This move is seen as a way around a law. The law stops the military from getting involved in civilian law enforcement. One reason given for militarizing the border is to stop drug smuggling. But statistics show most fentanyl dealers are US citizens. This raises questions about the true motives behind the move.