National Emergency Declared: Military Mobilizes at Southern Border
Published Date: 1/29/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The President has declared a national emergency at the southern border because of dangerous criminals, drug traffickers, and unvetted people crossing into the U.S. This means the military will help border agents take full control to stop illegal entry and protect Americans. Expect faster action and new resources starting immediately to keep our country safe.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Armed Forces Deployed to Southern Border
The President invoked section 12302 of title 10 and ordered that as many units or members of the Armed Forces, including the Ready Reserve and the National Guard, be used as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate to support the Department of Homeland Security to obtain complete operational control of the southern border. The military may provide detention space, transportation (including aircraft), and other logistics in support of civilian-controlled law enforcement starting immediately under this proclamation signed January 20, 2025.
Authority To Build New Border Barriers
The proclamation invokes 10 U.S.C. 2808 to make military construction authority available to construct additional physical barriers along the southern border. The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security are directed to take immediate action on construction and to coordinate with any Governor willing to assist in deploying physical infrastructure to improve operational security.
FAA/FCC Waivers Near Border Airspace
The Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission are asked to consider waiving applicable FAA and FCC regulations or policies that restrict the Department of Homeland Security's ability to counter unmanned aerial systems within 5 miles of the southern border. This specifically targets counter-drone operations in a 5-mile zone along the southern border.
Stricter Border Enforcement and Use-of-Force Policies
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, are directed to take all appropriate action to prioritize impeding and denying unauthorized physical entry across the southern border and to ensure use-of-force policies prioritize the safety and security of DHS personnel and members of the Armed Forces. This revision of policies aims to center enforcement and personnel safety in border operations.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19335, Providing Meaningful Water Quality Improvements Through Collaboration and Oversight of Federal Support
This new order helps states and local governments work better together to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay without unfairly charging residents and small businesses extra fees. It focuses on clear rules and smart spending to keep the Bay healthy while supporting local economies. Starting now, federal support will be more closely watched to make sure every dollar helps clean water and communities thrive.
2026-19336, Restoring Reciprocity in Government Procurement
The U.S. government is fighting back against Canada’s 'Buy Canadian' rules that block American companies from Canadian government contracts. Starting now, U.S. agencies will look for Canadian-made products in federal buying and try to replace them with American alternatives. This move affects billions in government spending and aims to level the playing field for U.S. businesses.
2026-18838, Modifying the Scope of Products of Canada Subject to the Additional Duties Imposed To Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Alcoholic Beverages
The U.S. is keeping extra taxes on some Canadian products because Canada is unfairly blocking American alcoholic drinks while letting others in. After a brief pause hoping Canada would fix this, they didn’t, so the taxes started on August 22, 2026. This affects Canadian exporters and aims to protect American businesses from unfair treatment.
2026-18839, Modifying the Scope of Products of Canada Subject to the Additional Duties Imposed To Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Motor Vehicles
The U.S. is keeping extra taxes on some Canadian motor vehicles and parts because Canada isn’t playing fair with U.S. car exports. These extra duties started August 22, 2026, after Canada broke a promise to fix the problem. This affects Canadian exporters and aims to protect American businesses from unfair trade practices.
2026-18836, Excluding Certain Canadian Products From Importation Into the United States in Response to Continued Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Dairy
The U.S. is blocking some Canadian dairy products from entering the country because Canada is treating American cheese unfairly with extra fees. After Canada promised to fix this but backed out, the U.S. put extra taxes on Canadian goods starting August 22, 2026. This move aims to protect American dairy businesses and keep trade fair.
2026-18835, Excluding Certain Canadian Products From Importation Into the United States in Response to Continued Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Alcoholic Beverages
The U.S. is blocking some Canadian products from coming in because Canada is unfairly stopping American alcoholic drinks from being sold there. This move hits Canadian imports to balance the playing field and protect U.S. businesses. The changes start right away and could affect trade money flows between the two countries.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-01907, Return to In-Person Work
Starting soon, all federal government employees must return to working full-time in person at their usual offices. Department leaders can allow exceptions if needed, but remote work is officially ending. This change affects everyone in executive branch agencies and aims to bring back the buzz of office life without delay.
Next: 2025-01950, Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences for Certain Offenses Relating to the Events at or Near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021
The President has decided to pardon everyone convicted for the January 6, 2021 Capitol events and commute the sentences of some key individuals to time served as of January 20, 2025. This means those still in prison will be released immediately, and all related charges will be dropped. It’s a bold move aimed at healing the nation and closing this chapter once and for all.