EAGLE PASS, Texas — Migrant crossings along the southwest border have seen a historic decline in recent weeks, according to U.S. Border Patrol officials.
Milton Moreno, acting chief patrol agent for the Del Rio Sector, attributes the drop to the implementation of new federal policies aimed at curbing illegal entries into the United States
“The era of catch-and-release is over,” Moreno said. “Illegal aliens know that if they come in here illegally, they’re going to get apprehended, processed accordingly and they’re going to be delivered a consequence to include being returned back to their home country.”
A sharp decline
Eagle Pass, once a hotspot for migrant crossings, has experienced a drastic reduction in activity. Where thousands of individuals were crossing daily over a year ago, law enforcement sources now report fewer than 50 crossings per day.
“We start to identify those areas that we consider vulnerable and start placing additional assets there,” Moreno explained. “Having additional reinforcements from the state and federal government greatly assists us in securing the border.”
The role of new policies and reinforcements
The decline in crossings is largely credited to a shift in federal immigration enforcement, according to officials. Additionally, increased cooperation with Mexican authorities has played a role.
Moreno noted that under an agreement initially made during the Trump administration, Mexico has deployed 10,000 soldiers to secure its side of the border, stretching from Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego.
“Mexican authorities are actively patrolling these areas,” Moreno said. “They’re stationed along the riverbanks, working to prevent illegal crossings before they even reach U.S. soil.”
The Texas National Guard has also bolstered security by erecting barriers, including a massive wall of shipping containers and layers of razor wire. These measures aim to deter smugglers who are constantly seeking vulnerabilities in border enforcement efforts.
Will the trend hold?
Despite the significant drop in crossings, officials remain vigilant. Criminal organizations involved in human smuggling are known to adapt their strategies to bypass new enforcement measures.
“This is just like a typical landing zone that smugglers utilize,” Moreno said while standing at what was previously a high-traffic area along the river. “As we reinforce areas near Shelby Park or upriver and downriver, they continue to seek the path of least resistance.”
The Del Rio Sector alone patrols 228 miles of border, including Lake Amistad. While increased manpower has made an impact, officials acknowledge that gaps still exist.
“Having our partners help out is definitely going to make a difference,” Moreno said.
Looking ahead
With the number of crossings plummeting, the question remains: Will the trend continue?
For now, officials express cautious optimism, emphasizing that enforcement efforts will remain strong. The decline in crossings has provided much-needed relief to overwhelmed Border Patrol agents and local communities, but the ongoing battle against human smuggling and illegal entry is far from over.
As Eagle Pass adapts to this new reality, Border Patrol officials said they will remain on high alert, ensuring that recent gains are not reversed. Whether these changes will lead to a long-term solution for border security remains to be seen.