A group of over 100 migrants attempted to enter the U.S. illegally on Thursday, March 21, 2024. (James Breeden for New York Post/Mega)
"Securing our border and protecting our nation’s resources go hand in hand," Burgum said in the statement. "The American people gave President Trump a mandate to make America safe and strong again."
Burgum said the change reflects Interior’s commitment to public safety, national security and responsible stewardship of public lands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's agents from the Houlton Sector arrest illegal border crosser in March of 2025. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
The department noted the crisis along the border is not limited to national security and law enforcement concerns, but also "presents an environmental crisis."
Nearly two dozen federally endangered species live in the region, which was previously managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The region also contains cultural sites that range from small artifact scatters to large multiroom pueblos, which could be harmed by repeated foot traffic, unregulated vehicle use and the creation of informal trails or camps, according to the statement.
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High-traffic illegal crossings could lead to soil erosion, damage to fragile desert vegetation and critical wildlife habitat, loss and damage to cultural resources, increased fire risk and pollution from trash and human waste.
The department acknowledged some of the land transferred to the Army is essential to the livelihoods of local communities and said the Bureau of Land Management will work with the Army to ensure "some" uses will continue to support local grazing and mining.
Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/army-takes-control-federal-land-along-new-mexico-border-increase-security-protect-environment