President Trump signed a memo late Friday directing the Interior Department to turn over a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border to the Department of Defense. The Associated Press reported Monday that the long, 60-foot-wide border buffer that abuts Fort Huachuca, Arizona and other areas may be used to house trespassers, including migrants.
DOD will “test taking control” of a section of the area, known as the Roosevelt Reservation for 45 days, AP reported, citing federal officials.
The report said it was not clear if additional military personnel would be deployed to the region. About 7,100 active duty troops and about 4,600 National Guard troops are already there.
Army photo by 2nd Lt. Erica Esterly