FEBRUARY 9, 2026 – The Department of the Air Force is expanding existing and establishing new National Defense Areas (NDAs) along the Texas border in support of the Department of War’s ongoing mission to secure the southern border.
The Secretary of War directed the expansion of the South Texas NDA to ensure the western endpoint reaches Roma, Texas, as originally intended. This action extends NDA 3 to include approximately 250 miles west of the Gulf of America along the Rio Grande River and incorporates an additional area of roughly 40 miles beyond the previously approved boundaries of Cameron and Hidalgo counties.
The Department of the Air Force will also establish the Del Rio-Falcon NDA 6, covering approximately 150 miles of the border from Falcon Dam, Texas — about 270 miles west of the mouth of the Rio Grande River — to Del Rio, Texas, approximately 420 miles west of the river’s mouth.
The U.S. Air Force will manage NDA 3 and NDA 6 on land transferred from the International Boundary and Water Commission through the General Services Administration. This area will be administered as part of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
The Secretary of the Air Force, along with Commander, U.S. Northern Command, will coordinate closely to facilitate USNORTHCOM’s mission and cooperate on installation matters.
Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) service members, under the direction of USNORTHCOM, will operate within the NDAs. Their responsibilities include enhanced detection and monitoring through stationary positions and mobile patrols, temporarily detaining trespassers until they are transferred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, and supporting the installation of temporary barriers, and signage to secure the area.
The Department of the Air Force and U.S. Northern Command will coordinate closely to support operational requirements and ensure effective installation management. Following establishment, the Department of the Air Force will install signage and fencing within each NDA in accordance with Air Force standards.
This designation marks the latest in a series of NDAs established to strengthen interagency coordination and bolster security operations along the U.S. southern border.
These actions reinforce the Department of War’s commitment to protecting national security interests and ensuring the integrity of designated defense areas along the southern border.
About Joint Task Force-Southern Border
Joint Task Force-Southern Border operates under U.S. Northern Command to provide Department of War support to the Department of Homeland Security. The joint task force conducts integrated, multi-domain operations in coordination with federal, state, and local partners to detect, monitor, and deter unlawful activity throughout the southern border. For more information, visit https://www.northcom.mil/BorderSecurity/.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs