In a move that has sparked both support and criticism from lawmakers and local officials, President Donald Trump is proceeding with plans to declare the land just north of the US-Mexico border as a military reservation.
According to sources, Trump signed a memorandum allowing the Department of Defense to militarize the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot buffer zone spanning from California to New Mexico. Under the plan, troops are authorized to establish military camps in designated areas and arrest any individuals caught trespassing within the military zone.
Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines expressed his support for the idea, stating that he hoped President Trump’s successor, Biden, would continue this effort. “Anything that takes control back from the cartels and maintains our security, I am 100% for,” he said.
Lines highlighted the need for increased security in remote desert areas east of Yuma, where the Yuma Border Patrol is constructing additional sections of the border fence. He noted that these areas are high-value targets for narcotics and human trafficking smuggling.
Military troop carriers have already been deployed to Douglas, with Lines expecting similar equipment and measures to be implemented in Yuma soon.
The increased security followed a significant drop in border crossings, with CBP officials reporting a 95% decline in March. Senator Mark Kelly criticized Trump’s new military order, stating that it risks putting service members in roles they are not trained for and undermines their readiness for missions. “This plan goes far beyond what troops can support in emergencies,” he said.
Since President Trump took office, an estimated 9,000 troops have been deployed to the southern border.
Source: AZ Family
