U.S. Transfers Border Land to Navy to Bolster Security Operations

By Ginika Igboke

The administration of President Donald Trump announced on December 10 the transfer of approximately 760 acres of public land along the U.S.-Mexico border in California to the Navy. The three-year transfer is intended to support border security operations.

In its announcement, the Interior Department stated the land would be designated as a “National Defense Area,” creating a militarized zone to enhance immigration enforcement. The parcel spans from roughly 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.

“This corridor is one of the highest-traffic regions for unlawful crossings along the southern border, creating significant national security challenges and contributing to environmental degradation,” the department said.

Officials noted the land was originally designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 for “border protection purposes.” The Navy’s use of the area aims to “strengthen operational capabilities while reducing ecological harm associated with sustained illegal activity.”

Since April, the federal government has transferred multiple large portions of land along the southern border to the military. These transfers have authorized troops to detain migrants attempting to cross and to arrest individuals for trespassing on military installations. The process began with a 170-mile segment in New Mexico before expanding into Texas and Arizona.

While the Interior Department described the Southern California area as high-traffic for illegal crossings, overall arrest numbers along the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1960s amid the administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement measures.

“President Trump has made it clear that securing our border and restoring American sovereignty are top national priorities,” stated Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “This action delivers on that commitment. By working with the Navy to close longstanding security gaps, we are strengthening national defense, protecting our public lands from unlawful use, and advancing the president’s agenda to put the safety and security of the American people first.”

The department emphasized close coordination with the Navy to ensure the transfer is legally sound and reinforces the “historic role public lands have played in safeguarding national sovereignty.”

This announcement followed a recent federal court order requiring the federal government to cease deploying California’s National Guard in Los Angeles and to return control of the troops to Governor Gavin Newsom.