Overview
- The Department of the Interior said most of California’s boundary with Mexico will fall under U.S. Navy jurisdiction as part of a newly designated militarized area.
- The zone stretches from near the Arizona line to the Otay Mountain Natural Reserve, crossing the Imperial Valley and communities including Tecate.
- Federal officials say more than 7,000 troops, along with helicopters, drones and other surveillance systems, are deployed to support the effort.
- The designated areas allow U.S. service members to detain people accused of unlawful entry at military bases and could expose those apprehended to additional criminal charges.
- A federal judge ordered the administration to halt the California National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and return those troops to state control following a lawsuit by California.