Summary

Summary of Executive Order Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border

Purpose

• President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border in response to significant illegal immigration issues over the past four years.

Actions Taken

• The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Defense to:
• Deploy additional personnel to the southern border, including Armed Forces and National Guard members.
• Collaborate with the Secretary of Homeland Security to complete the construction of the border wall.
• Ensure that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has flexibility for aerial operations near the border.

Context of the Situation

• From fiscal years 2021 to 2024, there were approximately 8.72 million encounters at the southern border, which overwhelmed resources and posed risks to communities.
• Concerns include:
• A significant increase in human trafficking, with around 550,000 unaccompanied children encountered at the border.
• The rise in drug-related deaths, particularly from fentanyl, which accounted for about 75,000 deaths in 2023 among Americans aged 18-45.
• The threat posed by criminal gangs that have increased their activities in U.S. cities.

Historical Context

• President Trump previously declared a national emergency at the southern border on February 15, 2019, and renewed it in February 2020, asserting success in reducing illegal immigration through those measures.

Expected Impact

• The Executive Order aims to restore federal control over border security, combat drug trafficking, and enhance the safety of American communities.
• It seeks to confront the challenges presented by illegal immigration and its associated consequences on society and public resources.