The Trump administration is expanding militarized operations along the southern U.S. border by transferring most of California’s border with Mexico to Navy control.

The new zone stretches from the Arizona state line to the Otay Mountain Wilderness, covering the Imperial Valley and border communities like Tecate.

Since April, similar zones in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona have allowed troops to apprehend immigrants and enforce trespassing laws on military land, with more than 7,000 troops deployed along with helicopters, drones, and surveillance equipment.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the move strengthens national defense and protects public lands, though legal experts warn it may violate the ban on domestic military law enforcement, the AP has reported.

The announcement comes amid a federal judge’s order for the Trump administration to return control of California National Guard troops in Los Angeles to Governor Gavin Newsom.