Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
Outside the box.
President Trump Issues Proclamation Declaring Southern Border Situation an Invasion
The proclamation halts the entry of individuals considered part of a continuing border crisis and details measures to tackle security, public health, and operational challenges.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation under Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, declaring the situation at the southern border to be an invasion.
The document outlines actions to tackle what is described as a continuing crisis involving unauthorized border crossings.
The proclamation orders the suspension of entry for individuals deemed part of the crisis, invoking authority granted under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
It sets forth measures to bolster border control, address public health risks, and alleviate national security concerns.
Key components of the proclamation include:
- Suspension of physical entry for those illegally crossing the southern border.
- Limitations on accessing certain immigration processes, such as asylum claims, for individuals entering without authorization.
- Operational instructions for the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Department of Justice to prevent unauthorized entry and repatriate individuals crossing illegally.
The proclamation highlights significant challenges in confirming the criminal and health records of individuals entering the U.S. through unauthorized means.
It also addresses the impact of transnational criminal organizations and other actors operating along the border, as well as public health concerns related to communicable diseases.
The document emphasizes that over the past four years, at least eight million individuals were encountered at the southern border, with additional numbers evading detection.
The proclamation notes that the volume of unauthorized crossings has overwhelmed existing systems, affecting federal and state resources.
The measures outlined in the proclamation aim to fulfill the federal government’s constitutional duty to protect states against invasion.
It also references the INA’s provisions granting the President authority to suspend entry when deemed detrimental to U.S. interests.
This announcement follows a series of executive actions by President Trump aimed at addressing immigration and border security.
Further operational details are expected to be released by the relevant federal agencies in the coming weeks.
The document outlines actions to tackle what is described as a continuing crisis involving unauthorized border crossings.
The proclamation orders the suspension of entry for individuals deemed part of the crisis, invoking authority granted under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
It sets forth measures to bolster border control, address public health risks, and alleviate national security concerns.
Key components of the proclamation include:
- Suspension of physical entry for those illegally crossing the southern border.
- Limitations on accessing certain immigration processes, such as asylum claims, for individuals entering without authorization.
- Operational instructions for the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Department of Justice to prevent unauthorized entry and repatriate individuals crossing illegally.
The proclamation highlights significant challenges in confirming the criminal and health records of individuals entering the U.S. through unauthorized means.
It also addresses the impact of transnational criminal organizations and other actors operating along the border, as well as public health concerns related to communicable diseases.
The document emphasizes that over the past four years, at least eight million individuals were encountered at the southern border, with additional numbers evading detection.
The proclamation notes that the volume of unauthorized crossings has overwhelmed existing systems, affecting federal and state resources.
The measures outlined in the proclamation aim to fulfill the federal government’s constitutional duty to protect states against invasion.
It also references the INA’s provisions granting the President authority to suspend entry when deemed detrimental to U.S. interests.
This announcement follows a series of executive actions by President Trump aimed at addressing immigration and border security.
Further operational details are expected to be released by the relevant federal agencies in the coming weeks.
