CALIFORNIA – The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced December 10 that it will transfer jurisdiction of roughly 760 acres of public land in San Diego and Imperial counties to the Department of the Navy for a three-year period. 

The Navy will use the land to establish a National Defense Area (NDA) to support ongoing border security operations.

While similar NDAs exist in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, this marks the first time California has had public land officially designated as a militarized zone along the southern border.

The area stretches from the western edge of Otay Mountain Wilderness to roughly one mile west of the California–Arizona border.

According to the Interior Department, this corridor sees heavy unlawful crossing traffic, posing national security challenges and harming the environment.

The designation allows U.S. troops to exercise law enforcement authority within the zone, including searching and detaining individuals. 

Legal experts note that this practice raises questions about the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said President Donald Trump has made it clear that securing the border and restoring American sovereignty are top national priorities.

“By working with the Navy to close long-standing security gaps, we are strengthening national defense, protecting our public lands from unlawful use, and advancing the President’s agenda to put the safety and security of the American people first,” Burgum said.

Entering an NDA without authorization can lead to federal charges

The Interior Department said it and the Navy coordinated to ensure the transfer is lawful and focused, highlighting the historic role of public lands in protecting national sovereignty.

Entering an NDA without authorization can lead to federal charges for trespassing, regardless of whether a sign was seen, as the government argues it’s akin to entering a military base.