Army Takes Charge of U.S.-Mexico Border Buffer, Paving Path for Migrants to 62-Mile Stretch of Az Tribal Land

Arizona border officials are responding positively to President Donald Trump’s recent military directives at the U.S.-Mexico border. However, migrant advocates express serious concerns about the potential repercussions for vulnerable populations.

The deployment aims to secure hundreds of miles of border but could inadvertently push migrants toward more perilous crossing areas. James Holeman, founder of Battalion Search and Rescue, highlights the risks, stating, “Militarizing the border has historically only ramped up deaths.” His group has tirelessly searched for deceased migrants in the unforgiving landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico.

On April 11, Trump’s order involved military control of the Roosevelt Reservation, a crucial 60-foot strip of federal land stretching from the Pacific to New Mexico. This move seeks to navigate the limitations imposed by the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, permitting military intervention in civilian law enforcement. As a result, migrants may face military arrests for trespassing in the designated federal zone.

This initiative encompasses Arizona’s four border counties—Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise—while excluding a 62-mile stretch controlled by the Tohono O’Odham Nation. Holeman fears this gap will attract human traffickers leveraging the situation.

The tribal lands, home to approximately 34,000 members, serve as a regular crossing point for migrants. Tribal leaders have refrained from commenting on the increased military presence. The landscape is relatively flat, and existing barriers are insufficient to deter crossings, as the tribe previously declined wall construction.

The border’s militarization is anticipated to increase the costs associated with trafficking. Holeman notes that “cartels have really taken over human trafficking,” predicting that crossing fees will rise significantly amid heightened military actions. As of now, troop numbers at the Southwest border have surged to 10,281 from the previous count of 2,500.

Cochise County Supervisor Frank Antenori expressed support for the military presence, emphasizing the need for robust border security measures that relieve local taxpayers. The county, home to about 124,000 residents, has faced increased strain on law enforcement and health resources due to illegal immigration.

Trump’s military order builds on his earlier declaration of a national emergency, with intentions to bolster surveillance and tighten control over the southern border. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced a transfer of 109,651 acres of federal land to the Army as part of this military expansion effort.

While officials like Border Patrol’s Tucson sector chief John Mennell argue that the military’s involvement will swiften the construction of border barriers and surveillance infrastructure, concerns persist. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that the increased troop presence may deter migrants from seeking necessary help, complicating their situation further.

Environmental advocates voice their opposition, fearing that military activities may disrupt the Sonoran Desert’s fragile ecosystems, which house numerous endangered species. Burgum claims the troops can help mitigate damage from illegal crossings, yet experts highlight the longstanding impacts from previous barriers and military interventions.

With both illegal crossings declining significantly—by an estimated 80% since Trump took office—migrant safety remains precarious. Battalion Search and Rescue reported nearly 20 human remains found during winter, underscoring the deadly reality of the “poor man’s route” through desert terrain.

“There is basically no water and it has the highest rate of apprehension,” Holeman emphasized, illustrating the dire choices faced by desperate migrants.