The Trump administration expanded a militarized border zone in California, transferring control to the Navy and enabling military apprehensions, amid legal and constitutional concerns.

The Trump administration has expanded a militarized zone along nearly the entire southern California border, placing it under Navy jurisdiction and allowing military personnel to apprehend trespassers on federal lands, with possible criminal charges. The zone stretches from the Arizona border to Otay Mountain, including the Imperial Valley and Tecate, as part of a broader April initiative also covering New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Over 7,000 troops are deployed with drones, helicopters, and surveillance systems, despite Border Patrol arrests at the lowest level since the 1960s. The move raises legal concerns over domestic military involvement and follows a federal court order requiring the return of National Guard troops deployed without state approval.