President Trump’s return has ushered in a dramatic shift in immigration policy, as executive actions, military deployment, and border wall construction lead to a steep drop in illegal crossings.
AT A GLANCE
- Illegal border crossings in San Diego fell from 451 to 39 per day since October.
- Trump reinstated “Remain in Mexico” and issued four executive actions to halt asylum claims.
- The administration plans to build 85 miles of new border wall in 2025, aiming for 1,000 miles.
- Over 10,000 troops are being deployed to support border security and infrastructure.
- Buoy barriers and shoreline walls are being installed to reinforce the Rio Grande border.
Executive Orders Spark Dramatic Shift at Southern Border
Since President Trump’s return to office, the administration has launched an aggressive new border security agenda that has led to a sharp decline in illegal crossings. Citing what he calls an “invasion,” Trump issued a series of four executive actions aimed at suspending asylum claims, increasing military support, and re-prioritizing border wall construction.
Key among these actions is a presidential proclamation temporarily halting all migrant entry and asylum processing. Migrants must now provide criminal and medical background checks to be considered for entry, closing previously used legal loopholes. The administration also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, reduced humanitarian parole options, and terminated programs such as CBP One and CHNV parole.
San Diego Crossings Plunge Under New Measures
The policy changes have already produced measurable results. According to Fox News, daily illegal crossings in the San Diego sector dropped from an average of 451 in October to just 39 in March. Officials credit the decline to enhanced enforcement, renewed wall construction, and a multi-agency crackdown on unlawful entries.
Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks emphasized the administration’s mission, stating, “Our absolute intent is to build as much wall as we need to get the border under control.” The administration is currently constructing new barriers in strategic areas including Jacumba, California, the Rio Grande Valley, and Yuma, Arizona.
Watch coverage of the San Diego border drop and wall construction efforts.
Rebuilding the Wall: A Central Strategy
A key part of the administration’s border strategy is the resumption of large-scale border wall construction. The goal is to complete 85 miles of new barriers this year, with a long-term aim of building 1,000 miles pending congressional funding. This includes plugging gaps left from halted construction under the Biden administration and reinforcing heavily trafficked crossing points.
In support of the plan, Senator Katie Britt has introduced legislation to allocate $25 billion for border wall expansion. In tandem, the administration is installing large buoy barriers in the Rio Grande to block crossings by water—creating a layered defense system when paired with land-based fencing.
Military Mobilization and Multi-Agency Action
In what marks one of the most militarized responses to border enforcement in U.S. history, over 10,000 active-duty troops are being deployed along the southern border. The Department of Defense is reallocating funds to assist in building detention centers and extending barriers. Trump has declared the situation a national emergency, ensuring sustained military involvement and interagency coordination.
“Operational control is what we are trying to achieve,” Banks added, noting that enforcement alone isn’t enough without consequences for unlawful entry. DHS, DOJ, and the State Department are collaborating to increase repatriations and deterrence measures.
The administration’s America First approach to immigration is now reshaping both the physical and legal contours of the southern border. Whether the strategy will sustain its current success remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a decisive reversal from the previous administration’s policies.
