Summary

Summary of Executive Order on Military Role in Border Protection

Purpose

• The Executive Order emphasizes the President's responsibility to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States, particularly along national borders.
• It identifies a current National Emergency at the southern U.S. border due to issues such as unlawful mass migration and drug trafficking.

Actions Taken

• The Secretary of Defense is directed to revise the Unified Command Plan within 10 days, assigning USNORTHCOM the task of sealing the borders and maintaining sovereignty.
• Specific requirements are added to the Contingency Planning Guidance, including:
• Level 3 planning to repel various forms of invasion.
• Development of a campaign plan for ongoing southern border security.
• Continuous assessment of options to protect U.S. territory from unlawful entry and threats.

Expected Impact

• The order aims to enhance the role of the Armed Forces in securing U.S. borders against criminal activities, thereby improving national security and the rule of law.
• It reinforces a commitment to prioritizing border protection as a matter of national defense.

General Provisions

• The order clarifies that it does not affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against the U.S. government or its entities.
• Implementation is subject to relevant laws and available appropriations.