JUNE 26, 2025 – The Secretary of Defense directed the establishment of a new National Defense Area along the U.S. southern border through the execution of the mission in Presidential Executive Order 14167. NDAs are designed to support the Department of Defense’s ongoing mission to secure the southern border in coordination with interagency and partner stakeholders.
Following June 18th directive from the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Air Force will manage a new NDA covering approximately 250 miles of the Rio Grande River in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties, Texas, 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. In support of the NDA, USNORTHCOM will be prepared to immediately install signage and fencing on the NDA in accordance with Department of the Air Force standards and be prepared to immediately conduct security operations in the NDAs.
Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) service members, under the direction of USNORTHCOM, will operate within the NDA. 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.
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. In recent months, the DoD has established NDAs in both New Mexico and West Texas, reinforcing USNORTHCOM’s whole-of-government approach to homeland defense.
The first NDA was established in New Mexico on April 21, enhancing the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to address high-traffic border crossings. The area spans approximately 170 miles of noncontiguous land along the state’s border, serving as an extension of Fort Huachuca and enabling expanded military support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the region.
A second NDA was designated May 1 in West Texas, covering approximately 63 miles of noncontiguous land between El Paso and Fort Hancock, serving as an extension of Fort Bliss.
These efforts reflect USNORTHCOM’s ongoing mission as the DoD’s operational lead for homeland defense, ensuring the territorial integrity of the United States’ southern border.
About Joint Task Force-Southern Border
Joint Task Force-Southern Border operates under U.S. Northern Command to provide Department of Defense 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 northcom.mil/BorderSecurity.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs