Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)

• January 22, 2025

  2025.01.22 - DHS Memo "DOJ Immigration Officer Authorization"

  Acting Secretary for Homeland Security issued a memo authorizing DOJ law enforcement officials and other employees to investigate, locate, and apprehend noncitizens in violation of Title 8, Chapter 12 or related regulations and to enforce requirements of such statutes and regulations.

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• January 23, 2025

  2025.01.23 - USNORTHCOM bolsters security at southern border

  The Pentagon through U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) deployed approximately 1,500 active-duty troops from U.S. Army and Marine Corps to the southern border to augment approximately 2,500 service members already deployed and supporting CBP there. Military forces will support detection and monitoring efforts as well as repair and replace physical barriers.

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• January 24, 2025

  2025.01.24 Active duty forces to bolster security at U.S. southern border

  USNORTHCOM again reports that approximately 1,500 active-duty troops from U.S. Army and Marine Corps have been deployed to the southern border to support detection, monitoring, and reinforcement of physical barriers.

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• January 29, 2025

  2025.01.29 USCG conducts security operations on Rio Grande River - X

  The U.S. Coast Guard has begun "security operations" along the Rio Grande River. USCG states that it "will detect and deter aliens and transnational smugglers from using maritime routes to illegally enter the United States."

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• February 6, 2025

  2025.02.06 Coast Guard conducts alien expulsion flight operations between California and Texas - USCG News

  The U.S. Coast Guard conducted "alien expulsion flights" on February 6, 2025, between CA and TX as part of a DHS-led operation enforcing immigration laws under recent executive orders. The Coast Guard aims to detect, deter, and interdict unauthorized migrants and other threats before they reach the U.S. border, with transported individuals relocated to designated locations for removal.

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• February 7, 2025

  2025.02.07 Pentagon sends more troops to U.S.-Mexico border, bringing total to 3,600

  PBS News reports that the Pentagon will deploy around 1,500 more soldiers to the southern border, bringing the total up to around 3,600.

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• March 1, 2025

  2025.03.01 Pentagon orders up to 3,000 troops to U.S.-Mexico border - Washington Post

  The Washington Post reports that the Pentagon ordered about 3,000 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, including soldiers from a motorized brigade equipped with Stryker combat vehicles, on February 28, 2025. About 2,400 soldiers will deploy with the Stryker brigade combat team, and an additional 550 will deploy with the aviation unit.

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• March 25, 2025

  2025.03.25 DOD: Hegseth Gives Order to Enhance Military Mission at Southern Border

  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directs members of the U.S. military assigned to "Joint Task Force Southern Border" to conduct patrols. Prior to the new directive, service members at the border were "engaged mostly in stationary detection and monitoring activities." Now, service members are instructed to "do more and conduct their mission on foot or on board Stryker armored vehicles." A Defense Department spokesperson said the new directive is to allow for a more "dynamic" and less predictable approach. However, service members are still not allowed to detain or apprehend individuals.

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• March 27, 2025

  2025.03.27 Reported: DOD Intelligence Agencies Conduct Surveillance at U.S.-Mexico Border -Reuters

  Reuters reports that the Trump Administration has directed two DOD intelligence agencies, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), to utilize "satellite surveillance capabilities" in support of ongoing efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border. "Their engagement, coupled with troop deployments, shows increasing militarization of the southern border, where President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency."

  The article also raises concerns over whether the agencies would be asked to conduct surveillance of U.S. territory beyond the border. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence commented that all activities conducted by its agencies are "legal and authorized" and undertaken "in a manner that protects the civil liberties and privacy of U.S. persons."

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• March 28, 2025

  2025.03.28 Reported: Troops in armored vehicles on the way to Big Bend National Park - Chron

  The Houston Chronicle reports that the U.S. military has deployed another set of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in West Texas, including in Big Bend National Park, with numbers expected to reach about 500. The troops will support federal agents through detection and monitoring.

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• April 1, 2025

  2025.04.01 Reported: Marines install razor wire at border park, further restricting access - Border Report

  U.S. Marines deployed around San Diego since January have reportedly installed razor wire around Friendship Park.

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