Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States

On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S. southern border, citing threats from cartels, criminal gangs, and drug trafficking, which he claims have resulted in chaos and loss of American lives. This proclamation authorizes the deployment of military forces to assist the Department of Homeland Security in securing the border, potentially leading to increased military presence and construction of additional barriers. The action revokes a previous termination of the border emergency from 2021 and could face legal and political challenges, particularly concerning the use of military and federal funds for border security measures.