US Army Carries Out First Detentions in Military Zone Along Mexico Border

The U.S. Army created the zones under Trump’s April 11 memorandum authorizing the military to take control of the land.

Joint Task Force Southern Border Troops mark the perimeter of the New Mexico National Defense Area, reinforcing a key stretch of the southern border. photo courtesy of U.S. Northern Command

Three illegal immigrants were detained last week after allegedly crossing into the newly created military zone along the U.S.–Mexico border, marking the first detentions in the area, according to an Army official.

The individuals were handed over to Border Patrol after being detained by troops within the restricted National Defense Area in New Mexico on June 3, Army spokesperson Major Geoffrey Carmichael said on Sunday.