WASHINGTON — The Interior Department has transferred 285 acres of federal land along the Arizona border with Mexico to the U.S. Navy, the agency announced Wednesday. For three years, the land will be used as a national defense area to support border security.

“This action reflects the Trump administration’s strong commitment to securing our southern border and putting America’s safety first,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.

“By making this land available for border infrastructure improvements and defense operations, we are closing critical security gaps, stopping illegal activity and protecting both our nation and its natural resources from the damage caused by unchecked illegal immigration.”

In a statement, the Interior Department said the transferred land is in an

See Full Page