Trump hands 760 acres of California public land to the navy for a new defense zone, deepening border militarization
The US’s southern border is poised to become more militarized following an announcement by Trump administration officials that armed forces would now oversee 760 acres of public land for a three-year period.
The US Department of Interior said in a statement that jurisdiction over this acreage – located in California’s San Diego and Imperial counties – would be transferred to the US navy “to establish a National Defense Area to support ongoing border security operations”.
“President Trump has made it clear that securing our border and restoring American sovereignty are top national priorities,” said Doug Burgum, the US interior secretary. “This action delivers on that commitment.”
“By working with the navy to close long-standing 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,” he said.
