Federal Land Transfer in Southern California Empowers U.S. Navy to Secure Border

The Department of the Interior has announced a three-year transfer of approximately 760 acres of federal land in Southern California to the U.S. Navy. The move aims to close longstanding border security gaps and grant military personnel enhanced authority to deter illegal crossings, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Burgum stated that the transferred land, located in portions of San Diego and Imperial counties, will be designated as a national defense area. This change would allow individuals who cross the border and enter the designated land to be considered on federal military property, expanding troops’ authority for detaining individuals.

The Secretary credited President Donald Trump for prioritizing border security and highlighted historical precedent, noting that President Theodore Roosevelt established similar mechanisms over a century ago in 1907. Burgum explained that Roosevelt anticipated illegal smuggling activity at the southwestern border and created legal frameworks still in use today.

Burgum noted that the Department of the Interior manages 41% of the land along the southwestern border from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. He added that the Navy will decide whether to deploy active-duty personnel or reservists, with the Department of Defense coordinating closely on border operations.

The Secretary also addressed energy policy, stating that declining gas prices nationwide reflect President Trump’s energy initiatives. He criticized California for its reliance on imported oil and refined gasoline due to refinery closures, noting that the state now imports roughly 63% of its oil from foreign sources. Burgum warned this dependency poses a national security risk given California’s large number of internal combustion vehicles.

Looking ahead, Burgum identified unlocking the value of public lands as his top priority for 2026. He emphasized that the Interior Department oversees approximately 500 million acres of surface land, 700 million acres of subsurface mineral resources, and over 3 billion offshore acres. Burgum criticized former President Joe Biden’s administration for restrictions on grazing, timber, mining, and energy development, stating they resulted in “horrible returns” for public lands.

“We have to turn those assets responsibly into energy, critical minerals, timber, all the things that will make America more affordable, make us more competitive, and bring prosperity at home,” Burgum said.