Halifax
By The Associated Press
Posted May 1, 2025 11:38:17 PM.
Last Updated May 1, 2025 11:45:39 PM.
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The Defense Department said Thursday that it has designated a second stretch on the U.S. border with Mexico as a military zone to enforce immigration laws.
The newest area is in Texas and is attached to the Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso. Like the first zone established last month in New Mexico, military personnel are authorized to take custody of migrants who illegally cross the border until they are transferred to civilian authorities in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“The establishment of a second National Defense Area increases our operational reach and effectiveness in denying illegal activity along the southern border,” said Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command.
In New Mexico, people who entered the U.S. illegally were charged Monday with breaching a national defense area after the Army assumed oversight of a 170-mile (274-kilometer) strip that is treated as an extension of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
A press release from the military didn’t say how large the second zone in Texas was and officials were unavailable to comment on its dimensions Thursday night.
Border crossers in the military zones face potential prosecutions on two federal crimes — entering the U.S. illegally and trespassing on military property. The moves come as President Donald Trump’s administration has deployed thousands of troops to the border and arrests have plunged to the lowest levels since the mid-1960s.
The military zones have allow the federal government to escape the reach of an 1878 law that prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
“Any illegal attempting to enter that zone is entering a military base, a federally protected area,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on a recent visit to New Mexico. “You will be interdicted by U.S. troops and Border Patrol.”
The Associated Press
A 16-year-old boy accused of making threats against a downtown high school in Halifax is now facing added charges of illegally possessing weapons and promoting hatred against Jewish and Black people. Last…
8h ago
Two people are facing charges after Mounties conducted a targeted traffic stop along a Lower Sackville highway. The RCMP said on April 29, they followed up on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation…
9h ago
It will be a little more difficult to cross the harbour to Dartmouth on Thursday night. Halifax Harbour Bridges says all Dartmouth-bound lanes on the MacKay Bridge will be closed from Thursday, May…
9h ago
Beleaguered retailer Hudson’s Bay has attracted a bid from Canadian Tire, two sources familiar with the sales process say. The sources, who are not being named because they were not authorized to speak…
7h ago
A 16-year-old boy accused of making threats against a downtown high school in Halifax is now facing added charges of illegally possessing weapons and promoting hatred against Jewish and Black people. Last…
8h ago
Two people are facing charges after Mounties conducted a targeted traffic stop along a Lower Sackville highway. The RCMP said on April 29, they followed up on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation…
9h ago
It will be a little more difficult to cross the harbour to Dartmouth on Thursday night. Halifax Harbour Bridges says all Dartmouth-bound lanes on the MacKay Bridge will be closed from Thursday, May…
9h ago
Beleaguered retailer Hudson’s Bay has attracted a bid from Canadian Tire, two sources familiar with the sales process say. The sources, who are not being named because they were not authorized to speak…
7h ago
Juror illness led to an early adjournment Thursday with NHL player Taylor Raddysh expected to continue his witness testimony Friday. Michelle Mackey has the latest in the sex assault trial of five ex-world junior hockey players.
6h ago
Canadian Tire is reportedly bidding for some of the intellectual property of beleaguered retailer Hudson’s Bay.
10h ago
Canada’s opposition parties have big issues to resolve in the short-term. The Conservatives must find their party leader a new seat in the Commons, while the NDP will ask for recognition from the House, even without official status.
Donald Trump says he’ll host Prime Minister Mark Carney within days at the White House, and calls the Liberal a ‘nice gentleman.’ Brandon Choghri with more on the incoming meeting, as the trade war continues.
What kind of qualities would Catholics like to see in Pope Francis’ successor? Rafael Romo visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome to find out.
Now New and Improved! Listen live to NewsRadio Halifax anytime and get breaking-news, traffic, and weather from CityNews Halifax – available for both Android and iOS.
Defense Department designates a second military zone on US border, extending into Texas – CityNews Halifax
