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Roma Today
By the People, for the People
US Military Takes Control of More Texas Border Land
Air Force expands militarized zones along the Rio Grande despite declining border crossings.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The U.S. Air Force has added about 190 more miles of the Rio Grande riverbank to the 250 miles it already oversees, placing the land under military control as 'National Defense Areas.' This allows wider use of military force and heftier charges against people crossing illegally into the country, even as border crossings have plummeted in recent years.
Why it matters
The expansion of militarized border zones raises concerns about the unnecessary militarization of the border and the potential impact on local communities and U.S. citizens who may face federal trespassing charges for entering poorly marked areas near the border.
The details
The Air Force has placed the new border lands under the control of Joint Base San Antonio, allowing troops to patrol the area and subjecting trespassers to misdemeanor charges related to illegally entering Defense Department property. This follows the creation of similar militarized zones in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas last year that now cover roughly one-third of the U.S.-Mexico border.
- In June 2025, Pentagon leaders announced they would take charge of land along the final 250 miles of the Rio Grande.
- On February 11, 2026, Air Force leaders announced the addition of about 190 more miles of Rio Grande riverbank to the militarized zones.
The players
Troy Meink
Air Force Secretary.
Jennifer Kavanagh
A senior fellow and director of military analysis at the Defense Priorities think tank.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
A civil rights organization that has warned about the impact of the militarized border zones on local communities and U.S. citizens.
What’s next
The military's expanded control of the border lands is expected to continue, with further expansion of the militarized zones possible in the future.
The takeaway
The growing militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border raises concerns about the unnecessary use of military force, the potential impact on local communities, and the erosion of civil liberties, even as border crossings have declined in recent years.