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Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners.
Source: U.S. Northern Command
Photo: Courtesy
[On April 19, 2025], the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan “Razin” Caine visited Joint Task Force Southern Border, which is deployed under the direction of U.S. Northern Command in support of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
During his visit, the Chairman met with and recognized Soldiers across the task force, and received a briefing on Joint Task Force Southern Border operations from Joint Task Force and 10th MTN DIV Commander, Maj. Gen. Scott M. Naumann; Joint Task Force Deputy Commander, Blaine Bennett, US Border Patrol; and leaders from the Joint Task Force.
General Caine also flew to and visited with U.S. Border Patrol and task force personnel at Douglas U.S. Customs and Border Protection Station, where he received a Stryker orientation from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division personnel at a location near the southern border barrier.
The visit created a complete understanding of the U.S. Department of Defense’s mission alongside USBP from top to bottom for the Chairman and his team and showcases the whole-of-government response to secure the territorial integrity of the southern border.
Enhanced Authorities in the New Mexico National Defense Area
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) service members have been delegated the authority and directed to conduct installation security support operations in the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA).
Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) service members have been conducting enhanced detection and monitoring since late March, 2025, which includes mobile ground-based support to detect, track, and monitor movements of suspected illegal activity using military tactical vehicles or foot patrols within zones assigned by Customs and Border Protection.
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Because the NMNDA is now part of the U.S. Army Fort Huachuca installation, JTF-SB service members operating within the NMNDA are authorized to conduct the following installation security support operations:
- Temporarily detain trespassers on the NMNDA until an appropriate law enforcement entity can assume custody.
- Conduct cursory searches of trespassers on the NMNDA to ensure the safety of U.S. service members and Department of Defense (DoD) property.
- Conduct crowd control measures as necessary to ensure the safety of U.S. service members and DoD property.
- Provide emergency medical support to trespassers on the NMNDA to prevent the loss of life, limb, or eyesight.
- Upon request, assist with the installation of temporary barriers, signage, and fencing in accordance with service-specific signage and fencing standards or as authorized and directed by the Fort Huachuca Senior Commander.
“Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners,” said Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander, U.S. Northern Command. “Joint Task Force-Southern Border will conduct enhanced detection and monitoring, which will include vehicle and foot patrols, rotary wing, and fixed surveillance site operations.”
USNORTHCOM was named the DoD’s operational lead for the employment of U.S. military forces to carry out President Trump’s southern border Executive Orders. The combatant command continues to fill critical capabilities gaps in support of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
