Authored by Jacob Burg via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
The Trump administration announced on December 10 that approximately 760 acres of public land along the U.S.-Mexico border in California will be transferred to the Navy for three years to enhance border security operations.
The Interior Department stated that the land would be designated as a “National Defense Area” or militarized zone to strengthen immigration enforcement.
This land spans from approximately a mile west of the California-Arizona state line to the western edge of the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area in San Diego and Imperial counties.
The Department emphasized that this area is a high-traffic region for illegal border crossings, posing significant national security challenges and contributing to environmental degradation.
Originally reserved in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt for border protection purposes, the Navy will utilize this land to enhance operational capabilities and mitigate ecological harm associated with illegal activity.
Since April, the federal government has transferred significant portions of land along the southern border to the military, enabling troops to detain migrants and address trespassing issues.
The Interior Department highlighted that arrests along the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased to the lowest level since the 1960s due to the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to securing the border and prioritizing American sovereignty.
This collaborative effort with the Navy aims to fortify national defense, safeguard public lands, and prioritize the safety of the American people.
The department ensured that the transfer was lawful and targeted, aligning with the historical role of public lands in upholding national sovereignty.
Following a court order to halt the deployment of California’s National Guard in Los Angeles, control of the troops will be restored to Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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