The Department of the Interior has transferred approximately 285 acres of public land in Yuma County, Arizona, to the Department of the Navy. This transfer is intended to support national defense efforts related to border security along the U.S.-Mexico border. The jurisdiction over this land will be held by the Department of the Navy for three years.
"This action reflects the Trump administration’s strong commitment to securing our southern border and putting America’s safety first," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "By making this land available for border infrastructure improvements and defense operations, we are closing critical security gaps, stopping illegal activity and protecting both our nation and its natural resources from the damage caused by unchecked illegal immigration. This is about law and order, national sovereignty and using our public lands to defend the American people."
The area in question has been a site of ongoing illegal cross-border activities that pose risks to national security and harm sensitive desert ecosystems. Issues such as off-route vehicle traffic, human footpaths, and illegal dumping have led to habitat destruction, increased erosion, and stress on water sources. With this transfer, it is anticipated that the Department of the Navy will assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection in securing this part of the border while mitigating negative impacts on natural resources.
Secretary Burgum exercised his authority under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act for this land withdrawal and transfer. The area has been reserved from public use since President Theodore Roosevelt's 1907 directive aimed at preventing smuggling between Mexico and the United States.
