Trump Administration’s Border-Security Push Sparks Military Action and Legal Battles

The Biden-era border task force has been reoriented under President Donald Trump’s 2024-campaign promises to intensify immigration enforcement. Recent actions include deploying a high-energy laser to neutralize cartel-linked drones in the Rio Grande Valley and pursuing a “smart wall” that would cut through land owned by the Diocese of Las Cruces in southern New Mexico.

U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command announced that, late Tuesday and early Wednesday, the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) destroyed three unmanned aircraft that officials said posed a “physical threat” to military and Customs and Border Protection personnel. The laser, supplied by AeroVironment Inc., can track and maintain a beam on a target until it fails.

CNN

The administration has moved to acquire more than 14 acres surrounding a 29-foot limestone statue of Jesus on Mount Cristo Rey. The plan calls for a 30-foot “smart wall” with steel bollards spaced four inches apart along a 1.4-mile stretch of trail.

The Independent

• The Department of Homeland Security cited congressional authority for border-infrastructure projects, asserting that “Congress gave them the authority.”

UsNews and World Report

• A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said the agency prefers voluntary acquisition but will work with the Justice Department to use eminent-domain powers if needed.

UsNews and World Report

• The Justice Department contended that the diocese’s religious-freedom claims are not “cognizable” as a legal defense in condemnation actions.

The Independent

• Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) warned that downing drones over populated areas could endanger civilians.

• Heritage Foundation senior fellow Todd Bensman praised the laser as “good news” for soldiers on the southern border.

• Local volunteer Ruben Escandon noted that the wall could improve security for the statue by closing a 1.5-mile gap that currently allows vandalism, while emphasizing the need to preserve pilgrim access.

The Independent

• Three cartel-linked drones were neutralized in a single operation.

• The proposed wall would span approximately 1.4 miles and feature steel bollards spaced four inches apart.

The Independent

• The government has offered $183,071 in compensation for the diocese’s land claim.

The Independent

• “Cartel networks are increasingly employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illicit human-smuggling and actively spy on our personnel and law enforcement partners,” — Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force–Southern Border

CNN

• “That’s good news. Our soldiers need that on the southern border right now,” — Todd Bensman, senior research fellow, The Heritage Foundation

• “The erection of a symbol of division in the shadow of Christ runs contrary to the very person of Christ, who gathers people of all backgrounds and walks in unity and love to himself,” — Rev. Peter Baldacchino, Bishop of Las Cruces

The Independent

• Federal courts will continue to hear the eminent-domain case, with a decision expected before the upcoming midterm elections.

UsNews and World Report

• The military has not disclosed further laser engagements, but officials indicate the system remains on standby for additional threats.

CNN

• Construction of the “smart wall” will proceed pending the outcome of the legal challenge and any required environmental reviews.

The Independent