NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-4
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SUBJECT: Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions
As the Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, the United States Constitution grants me the authority to direct various branches of the executive to safeguard our homeland and ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United States, in ways I find most effective and lawful. Our southern border is currently facing a multitude of threats, necessitating a more robust military engagement in border security than in times past. Under Executive Order 14167, issued on January 20, 2025, I have tasked the U.S. Armed Forces with the critical mission of repelling invasions and sealing the southern border against unlawful entry, thus preserving the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of our nation. This memorandum aims to provide further guidance to the heads of specific executive departments on enhancing border security.
Section 1. Policy. (a) To fulfill the military missions outlined in Executive Order 14167 and ensure the safety and security of military and other federal personnel in areas of operation along the southern border, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Homeland Security are hereby directed to undertake all necessary actions:
(i) To establish the Department of Defense’s jurisdiction over specific Federal lands, including the Roosevelt Reservation but excluding Federal Indian Reservations, essential for military operations such as border barrier construction and the installation of detection and monitoring systems;
(ii) To facilitate the transfer and acceptance of jurisdiction over these Federal lands, in compliance with applicable laws, enabling military activities on installations under the Department of Defense’s authority and designating these lands as National Defense Areas by the Secretary of Defense.
(b) The Secretary of the Interior is instructed to permit the Secretary of Defense to utilize portions of the Roosevelt Reservation that have not been transferred or withdrawn under this memorandum. In alignment with Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025, which declares a national emergency at the southern border, 43 U.S.C. 155 is invoked, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw or restrict public lands for the Department of Defense’s use to tackle the border emergency, notwithstanding any limitations imposed by the Engle Act (43 U.S.C. 155-158).
(c) The Secretary of Defense shall determine which military activities are necessary and appropriate to accomplish the mission set forth in Executive Order 14167, ensuring the security of military installations in accordance with section 2672 of title 10, United States Code, and the established authority of military installation commanders to exclude individuals as recognized in section 21 of the Internal Security Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 797) and 18 U.S.C. 1382.
(d) In executing activities pursuant to this memorandum, members of the Armed Forces are required to adhere to use-of-force protocols as outlined by the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 2. Phased Implementation. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will commence implementation of this memorandum on a limited section of Federal lands designated by the Secretary of Defense. Within 45 days following the issuance of this memorandum, the Secretary of Defense will evaluate the initial phase. Furthermore, the Secretary of Defense may expand activities under this memorandum to additional Federal lands along the southern border in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor, and other relevant executive departments and agencies.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) This memorandum does not impair or otherwise affect:
(i) The authority of the Secretary of Defense to authorize and request State Governors to mobilize members of the National Guard under title 32 of the United States Code for Department of Defense activities, including support for law enforcement at the request of the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security;
(ii) The legal authority granted to an executive department or agency, or its head;
(iii) The responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget regarding budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) Implementation of this memorandum will be consistent with applicable laws and contingent upon the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any enforceable rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, for any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, officials, employees, or agents, or any other individual.
DONALD J. TRUMP
