Sen. Cuellar’s Take on Trump’s Military Zone Directive

During the NewsNation Now broadcast on Friday, Senator Henry Cuellar (D-TX) commented on the Trump administration’s designation of specific areas along the southern border as military zones. This declaration implies that crossing these areas equates to illegally entering military installations. Cuellar described this move as “very creative,” adding that it’s not an issue since the military hasn’t imposed stricter immigration laws.

Host Connail McShane expressed curiosity about the implications of these military designations, suggesting they effectively turn certain border areas into extensions of military bases. He asked Cuellar how to interpret this development.

Cuellar responded by acknowledging the creativity in the administration’s approach to law enforcement, suggesting that while the military’s actions may not violate civil enforcement regulations, they are using this designation as a means of control. He noted that this was a new approach, emphasizing that the expansive areas now classified fall under military jurisdiction and he has no objections unless the military starts actively enforcing immigration laws.