Trump has allowed agency to deal out ‘maximum consequences’ to border jumpers
The change in administration from President Joe Biden to President Donald Trump has brought about a significant shift in enforcement strategies for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents along the southern border, particularly in the San Diego Sector. According to San Diego Sector acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker, the new approach focuses on providing maximum consequences to anyone who crosses the border illegally, as opposed to the previous policy of catch-and-release.
Under the Biden administration, the border apprehensions had hit a nearly 25-year low, with encounters with illegal migrants dropping to just 30,000 in February. This marks a stark contrast to the over 130,000 encounters during the same period in 2023 and 2024. Stalnaker attributes this change to the new administration’s commitment to enforcing consequences for illegal border crossings.
Previously, illegal immigrants apprehended at the border would be released with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. However, under the new administration, individuals are being held accountable for their actions, whether through jail time or repatriation to their country of origin. This shift has led to a quieter border and a more effective deterrence of illegal crossings.
In addition to the change in enforcement policies, the deployment of U.S. military forces to the border has played a crucial role in securing the San Diego sector. Shortly after President Trump took office, hundreds of Marines, Army, and Navy personnel were assigned to the area to reinforce existing order barriers with razor wire. The Marines, part of Task Force Sapper, have been instrumental in enhancing border security and disrupting illegal activities attempting to cross over the barrier.
Furthermore, Army engineers and military police officers from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, have been deployed to assist with surveillance and detection operations in the San Diego sector. This additional support has provided CBP agents with more eyes on the border and improved response times to apprehend illegal border crossers.
The collaborative efforts between CBP, U.S. military forces, and other federal, state, and local partners have proven to be successful in securing the San Diego sector. Stalnaker emphasizes the importance of a whole-of-government approach in accomplishing their mission and highlights the effectiveness of the force multiplier strategy.
Overall, the combination of stricter enforcement measures, military deployment, and interagency cooperation has led to a significant improvement in border security in the San Diego sector under the Trump administration. The quietude that now prevails stands in stark contrast to the bustling activity seen during the previous administration, signaling a new era of border enforcement and national security.
