In a striking shift from the turmoil of recent years, former President Donald Trump's declaration of a border emergency arrives at a time when migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have seen a considerable decline. Deploying 1,500 troops to San Diego and El Paso, Trump emphasizes the protection of America's sovereignty, framing the issue as an attack on national borders. However, the current landscape presents a much calmer backdrop compared to years past.
Once buzzing with constant updates, the Border Patrol scanner now captures long pauses, occasionally interrupted by discussions on tracking lone migrants over extended periods. This reduced activity marks a significant turnaround from 2017, when the United States emerged as the primary destination for asylum seekers.
Data reveals a dramatic reduction in border arrests, plummeting over 80% from a staggering high of 250,000 to just around 47,000 in December. This decline follows increased enforcement by Mexican authorities and the asylum restrictions introduced by former President Joe Biden in 2023. December’s figures for border arrests mark a significant low in nearly five years, highlighting a stark contrast between the easing pressures at the border today versus challenges during Trump's earlier tenure.
On a recent patrol in San Diego, agents encountered only a handful of migrants, including individuals from countries as distant as China, India, and Malaysia. These individuals turned themselves in, demonstrating the shift from larger caravans of asylum seekers to smaller, sporadic groups. Processing for these migrants takes place in new facilities established under Biden, presenting logistical and diplomatic challenges, especially when dealing with nations that refuse repatriation of their citizens.
The daily operations for Border Patrol agents are reverting to traditional roles, which involve tracking and detaining groups sneaking through treacherous terrain. This return contrasts sharply with the previous necessity to quickly process and release large numbers of asylum seekers, easing some burdens faced under Biden's policies when arrests surpassed 2 million annually for two consecutive years.
In parts of San Diego, agents meticulously patrol rugged mountain paths that overlook Tijuana, ready to intercept those crossing illicitly. As large-scale surrenders become rare, the Border Patrol reports substantial drops in arrests. For instance, El Paso recorded only 211 releases in a recent week, a decline from tens of thousands reported weekly in December 2023.
Local organizations providing aid, such as volunteers offering basic necessities through border barriers, also observe this decrease. Karen Parker, assisting migrants with medical care in mountainous regions, noted a decline from hundreds encountered nightly a year ago to smaller groups recently.
The challenges for Trump’s administration revolve around infrastructure funding, repatriation agreements with non-cooperative countries, and sustaining border-related operations. During his previous term, Trump utilized emergency powers to shift funds for wall construction. Now, the focus remains on effectively managing these policies to curb illegal crossings.
In Arizona, administrative decisions led to the closure of migrant shelters previously operating in Tucson due to fewer released individuals. This downturn impacts entities like the Jewish Family Service of San Diego, which used to receive migrants via an online border app before the app’s use concluded under Trump’s policy changes.
As the dynamics of U.S. border security continue to evolve, the emphasis for this renewed emergency declaration is undeniably grounded in maintaining a secure and manageable border in the context of decreasing migration levels.