Key Facts
• June 3, 2025: U.S. Army detained three illegal immigrants near Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
• Incident occurred in the “National Defense Zone” along the Mexico border.
• Defense zone spans 260 miles (418 km) across New Mexico and Texas.
• Zone declared part of military bases by Defense Secretary Hegses.
• Measure introduced during the second Trump administration to combat illegal immigration.
• Army previously limited to detecting and tracking border crossers.
• Approximately 390 cases of illegal crossings identified by the Army so far.
• Detainees handed over to Border Patrol for further processing.
Summary
The U.S. Army detained three illegal immigrants on June 3, 2025, near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, marking the first such action in the “National Defense Zone” along the Mexico border. This zone, spanning 260 miles (418 km) across New Mexico and Texas, was designated as part of military bases by Defense Secretary Hegses under measures introduced during the second Trump administration to address illegal immigration. Previously, the Army’s role was limited to detecting and tracking border crossers, with approximately 390 cases identified to date. The detainees were handed over to Border Patrol for further action.
