U.S. military takes over border defense area in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The military has now officially taken over a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border in Yuma as part of a newly-formed National Defense Area.

The U.S. Marine Corps. confirmed Monday that Marines and sailors now have control over this part of the southern border.

The Marines will work alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol.

This is one of two additional expanded military zones at the border set up by the Trump Administration.

The goal is to militarize the boundary with Mexico to help reduce migrant crossings and keep the border safe.

Migrants who enter the areas can be detained by the military until Border Patrol agents arrive.

To learn more about this, read the press release below.