Overview
- The designation creates a three-year National Defense Area across San Diego and Imperial counties from the Otay Mountain Wilderness to about one mile west of the California–Arizona line.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the action closes security gaps and protects public lands, and officials describe the corridor as a high-traffic crossing area linked to environmental damage.
- The militarized zones allow troops to detain people accused of trespassing on military-controlled land and can trigger additional criminal charges, according to administration statements and prior deployments.
- Since April, similar areas in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas have been paired with more than 7,000 deployed service members and expanded use of drones, helicopters and surveillance equipment.
- The announcement coincided with a federal court order requiring the administration to return control of California National Guard troops in Los Angeles to the governor, highlighting ongoing legal pushback.