Border Vets Continue Vigilance on U.S.-Mexico Border Amid Trump's Policies
Despite a significant drop in illegal crossings under President Donald Trump’s administration, a group of U.S. military veterans known as Border Vets remains committed to securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — In the face of President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to secure the southern border, a group of U.S. military veterans known as Border Vets continues their mission to patch up gaps in the border barrier. Founded by Marine Corps veteran Kate Monroe, the group has been instrumental in addressing vulnerabilities in the border fence, particularly at a notorious spot known as the “San Judas Break” in San Diego County.
Recent data indicates a sharp decline in illegal border crossings since Trump’s return to office, with February 2025 recording only 8,300 attempts, the lowest since fiscal year 2000. This decrease is attributed to both Trump’s policies and increased cooperation from the Mexican government, which has established a presence near the border.
Despite these improvements, Border Vets volunteers remain vigilant. On a recent visit to the border, the group was observed reinforcing the barrier with razor wire and extending it further up a hilly rock formation to prevent migrants from exploiting a known pathway. “There are still gaps,” a Marine veteran and Border Vets volunteer emphasized, pointing out the ongoing need for their efforts.
The group’s work has been well-received by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, who have seen a significant reduction in encounters with illegal migrants, dropping from over 130,000 in February of the previous years to just 30,000 in 2025. An anonymous CBP agent confirmed that the agency does not hinder the group’s efforts to erect makeshift barriers.
Monroe and her team have witnessed a stark contrast in border activity, with areas that once saw hundreds of daily crossings now standing eerily quiet. “It’s a crazy thing,” Monroe remarked, reflecting on the transformation. “There used to be hundreds of people crossing every time I came, now not one.”
While celebrating the progress, Border Vets members are cautious about declaring victory too soon. “An open border policy that we’ve dealt with for the last four years has been nothing but a detriment to the country,” a Navy veteran member stated, underscoring the group’s commitment to ensuring the border remains secure.
As the situation at the border continues to evolve under Trump’s administration, Border Vets stands ready to adapt and respond, determined to prevent any return to the previous levels of illegal crossings.