The U. S. Military's New Role at the Southern Border

The U. S. government has decided to beef up security along the southern border. This move is part of a broader strategy to tackle various threats that have been plaguing the region. The plan involves a significant increase in military involvement, which is seen as a necessary step to maintain the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The military's new mission is to prevent unauthorized entries and repel any potential invasions. This directive comes from the top, with the President using their constitutional powers to ensure the homeland's safety. The military will have a more hands-on role in securing the border, a task that has traditionally been handled by other agencies. Several key departments are involved in this effort. The Secretary of Defense, along with the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, and Homeland Security, will work together to implement this plan. Their goal is to make sure that the military has the necessary resources and jurisdiction to carry out its mission effectively. The military will have control over certain federal lands along the border. This includes areas like the Roosevelt Reservation, which will be used for constructing border barriers and setting up detection equipment. The Secretary of the Interior has the authority to make withdrawals and restrictions on public lands to support this mission. The implementation of this plan will happen in phases. Initially, it will be rolled out in a limited sector of federal lands. The Secretary of Defense will assess this initial phase and decide whether to expand the operations to other areas along the border. This phased approach allows for adjustments and improvements based on the outcomes of the initial phase. The military's actions will be guided by specific rules for the use of force, as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. This ensures that the operations are conducted in a manner that is both effective and lawful. The goal is to maintain the security of military installations and the safety of personnel involved in the operations. The plan also includes provisions for the involvement of the National Guard. The Secretary of Defense can authorize and request that state governors order members of the National Guard to support these military activities. This adds an extra layer of support to the ongoing efforts to secure the border. The government has made it clear that this plan is not intended to create any new rights or benefits. It is purely a measure to enhance security and maintain the country's sovereignty. The implementation of this plan will be consistent with applicable laws and subject to available appropriations.