Exclusive: US Army to assume control over US border — What this means for imperial county

A recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump allows the U.S. military to take over control of a 60-foot-wide stretch of land along the U.S.-Mexico border — land previously under the Department of the Interior. The move is raising questions about the future role of troops, especially in border regions like Imperial County.

Though the order’s legality may eventually be challenged in court, especially under the Posse Comitatus Act, 760 News Media spoke directly with Border Patrol Agent José Enriquez from the El Centro Sector to better understand the local implications.

“First and foremost, we’re very thankful that we have our partners in the military to come down and to be able to assist us during this time,” Enriquez said. “We’re still patrolling, we’re doing our job 24/7, 365 days a year. We will continue to do our job, and they will be able to supplement us.”

According to statistics provided by border patrol chief Gregory Bovino illegal border crossings are down 95.6% compared to 2023.

What Will the Military Actually Do?

While the military’s authority is limited, its role is designed to support — not replace — Border Patrol operations.

“As of right now, they do not have the title authority,” Enriquez said. “We will be doing all the arrests… They will be patrolling and refuse deterrent. They also have the equipment to be deployed to get eyes in the sky or just more coverage.”

Troops may be seen moving around the region in military vehicles and using surveillance tools, but enforcement will remain in the hands of federal agents.

“Could they patrol? 100% — they could take their vehicles and go around and move around,” Enriquez said. “But as of right now… Border Patrol agents will do the border patrol job and they will be here to augment.”

Challenges at the Border

Imperial County’s El Centro Sector has long faced operational challenges, and Enriquez acknowledged that outside help could ease some of the pressure.

“In the past, we have not had as much resources as we’ve had before,” he explained. “To secure the border, we need three things: technology, which [the military] will obviously help bring with their resources; infrastructure — could we use more? Definitely; and boots on the ground.”

“Our agents being able to arrest and being augmented by a different set of people, a different set of eyes — I think will help us a lot,” Enriquez said.

Looking Ahead: Cooperation and Caution

So far, the presence of military personnel has been limited, but Border Patrol expects a growing partnership in the weeks ahead.

“They’re slowly coming in and we’re getting prepared to go out,” Enriquez said. “As far as right now we haven’t seen too much activity, but be on the lookout for the near future where we will be going out and we will be working together.”

He praised the collaboration as essential and called the military’s involvement an honor.

“They have the highest training, they have really good equipment… everything that we need to help augment us,” he said. “Until we get up to full force, which hopefully will be in upcoming months… we’re very thankful to have them out here with us.”

Enriquez ended with a message to potential smugglers:

“You are in the premier sector — the El Centro Sector — where we’re locking things down. With the help of our military, we’re making it even more difficult for anybody to come across… think twice — because our agents are the best out there, and the military we have is the best out there.”