U.S. military to establish NDA along Arizona-Mexico Border near Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The U.S. military is establishing a new National Defense Area (NDA) along the Arizona-Mexico border near Yuma.

According to a press release from the U.S. Air Force, NDAs are "designed to support the Department of Defense's ongoing mission to secure the southern border in coordination with interagency and partner stakeholders."

The press release says the first NDA was established in New Mexico on April 21 while the second NDA was established in West Texas on May 1.

This is the first NDA in Arizona.

The new NDA encompasses about 100 miles of borderland and will be incorporated into the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma Instillation.

This means troops stationed there can now monitor activity, operate checkpoints, an temporarily detain trespassers until transferring them into Border Patrol custody.

Jonathan Lines, Yuma County Supervisor District 2, says, "I am very grateful that the President has provided additional support for the men and women in green and blue."

However, ongoing uncertainties in relation to access, signage, and civil rights continue to raise concerns.

Some environmentalists say it will have negative impacts on the environment.

Lines says the amount of waste and litter left behind is the real problem.

"I would ask them if they've actually been to the border to see the havoc and destruction that has been left behind. It is an environmental wasteland," Lines explained.

Local leaders are divided as some support the increased security while others say it's overly aggressive.

"The more that we can step up, once and for all, and secure the border and keep out the bad actors, keep out the fentanyl, and the human trafficking, I'm all for it," says Lines.

Tony Reyes, Yuma County Supervisor District 4, says "Risking the National Guard and risking the military out in these areas, for this purpose, it's just uncalled for."

Reyes says border crossings are low and that the military could focus their attention on other tasks.

"The current administration cancelled the asylum seekers. They capture 10-15 people a day in the whole Yuma Sector…Too many problems in the country are now being dealt with as immigrant problems and they're not," Reyes expressed.

We're waiting to hear back from MCAS Yuma and we'll share more information with you as it becomes available.