Trump's Policies Transform Once-Busy Border Sector into Quiet Zone
Veterans volunteering at the U.S.-Mexico border in Southern California report a significant decrease in illegal crossings since President Donald Trump took office.
In San Diego County, California, the impact of President Donald Trump’s border policies is visibly transforming the landscape along the U.S.-Mexico border. Veterans from the group Border Vets, who have been actively involved in reinforcing the border barrier, have noted a stark contrast in the number of illegal crossings compared to the period under the previous administration. Kate Monroe, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Border Vets, described the change as “an amazing difference,” highlighting the effectiveness of Trump’s approach to border security.
Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supports these observations, showing that February saw only about 8,300 apprehensions, the lowest monthly total since fiscal 2000. This marks a significant drop from the 130,000 encounters recorded in February of the previous two years, underscoring a dramatic decline in illegal border crossings.
The Border Vets have been particularly active in areas like Jacumba Hot Springs, where previously busy crossing points such as the “San Judas Break” have become notably quiet. Last year, Monroe led efforts to patch this gap with 400 feet of razor wire, a move that not only stemmed the flow of migrants but also caught national attention and spurred the formation of her group.
Local CBP agents have welcomed the assistance from Border Vets, with one agent anonymously expressing appreciation for the group’s efforts. The volunteers continue to monitor the border, aiming to maintain the low levels of illegal crossings achieved under the Trump administration.
As the border sector experiences this lull, makeshift shelters that once served migrants now stand empty, symbolizing the rapid change in border dynamics. Monroe and her fellow volunteers remain committed, driven by a belief in securing the nation’s borders to enhance national security and reduce the strain on local and national resources caused by illegal immigration.