White House declares a National Emergency at the southern border of the United States
"America’s sovereignty is under attack."
Among the first acts of President Donald Trump after his inauguration Monday was to declare a National Emergency at the southern border.
"America’s sovereignty is under attack. Our southern border is overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, known terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, unvetted military-age males from foreign adversaries, and illicit narcotics that harm Americans, including America," the presidential declaration said.
"This invasion has caused widespread chaos and suffering in our country over the last 4 years. It has led to the horrific and inexcusable murders of many innocent American citizens, including women and children, at the hands of illegal aliens," the statement continued.
"Foreign criminal gangs and cartels have begun seizing control of parts of cities, attacking our most vulnerable citizens, and terrorizing Americans beyond the control of local law enforcement. This assault on the American people and the integrity of America’s sovereign borders represents a grave threat to our Nation."
The declaration said that because of the gravity and urgency of this present danger and imminent threat, the Armed Forces must take all appropriate action to assist the Department of Homeland Security in obtaining full operational control of the southern border.
"To protect the security and safety of United States citizens, to protect each of the States against invasion, and to uphold my duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, it is my responsibility as President to ensure that the illegal entry of aliens into the United States via the southern border be immediately and entirely stopped," President Trump said.
To provide additional authority to the Department of Defense to support the Federal Government’s response to the emergency at the southern border, President Trump said the emergency requires the use of the Armed Forces with the deployment of personnel and resources, including aircraft.
The declaration also provides for:
Additional physical barriers.
Unmanned aerial systems.
Revision of policies and strategies.
"Within 90 days of the date of this proclamation, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a joint report to the President about the conditions at the southern border of the United States and any recommendations regarding additional actions that may be necessary to obtain complete operational control of the southern border, including whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807," the proclamation said.