Unveiling New Tactics in Border Security Under Trump Administration

Trump’s administration has declared the southern border situation an “invasion,” immediately halting illegal entries and asylum requests until the crisis ends, backed by four sweeping executive actions and plans for 85 miles of new border wall construction this year.

Key Takeaways

President Trump implemented four major executive actions to close the southern border, including declaring an “invasion” that suspends migrant entry and asylum requests
The administration plans to construct 85 miles of new border wall in 2023, with aims to add nearly 1,000 miles contingent on congressional funding
Border Patrol officials are employing a multi-layered approach including walls, blocking buoys in the Rio Grande, and deploying at least 10,000 troops
The “Remain in Mexico” policy has been reinstated, while CBP One and CHNV parole programs have been terminated
Illegal crossings in the San Diego sector have decreased dramatically from 451 per day in October to just 39 per day in March under Trump’s policies

Border Crisis Declared an “Invasion” with Immediate Suspension of Asylum

The Trump administration hit the ground running on January 20, 2025, implementing four major executive actions designed to immediately close the southern border to migrants, including those seeking asylum. The cornerstone of these actions is a presidential proclamation officially declaring the situation at the southern border an “invasion,” which effectively suspends migrant entry and asylum requests until the administration determines the invasion has ended. This bold move restricts migrants from invoking provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act for asylum and mandates they provide comprehensive medical and criminal history information before consideration.

The second executive order, titled “Securing Our Borders,” reinstates the effective “Remain in Mexico” policy and significantly limits humanitarian parole while resuming border wall construction that had been halted under the Biden administration. In a blow to Biden-era programs, the order ends both the CBP One app and the CHNV parole initiatives, which experts warn could potentially increase pressure on the border by eliminating lawful pathways for those seeking protection.

Military Mobilization and Wall Construction Plans

Two additional executive actions involve military deployment, with President Trump declaring a national border emergency and prioritizing border security in military planning and operations. The Department of Defense has been directed to support the Department of Homeland Security in achieving operational control of the border, with plans to deploy at least 10,000 troops. These actions authorize the reallocation of Department of Defense funds specifically for border enforcement purposes, including building barriers and significantly expanding detention facilities to house those who attempt illegal entry.

“Our absolute intent is to build as much wall as we need to get the border under control,” stated Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, underscoring the administration’s commitment to physical barriers as part of the security strategy.

The construction plans are ambitious, with the administration aiming to build 85 miles of new border wall this year, with longer-term goals to add nearly 1,000 miles of additional barriers – contingent upon congressional funding. Senator Katie Britt has already introduced legislation to allocate $25 billion specifically for border wall construction, signaling strong Republican support for the initiative. Construction crews are actively working to fill gaps in existing barriers, such as in San Diego’s notorious “Smuggler’s Gulch,” which has long been exploited by criminal organizations.

Multi-Layered Approach to Border Security

The administration’s strategy goes beyond mere wall construction to implement a comprehensive security approach. Plans include expanding the deployment of large blocking buoys in the Rio Grande, complemented by walls on the shoreline to create a formidable two-tiered security system. This strategy targets high-traffic areas such as Jacumba, California, which had become a major crossing point for migrants, including significant numbers from China during the Biden years. The results are already evident – illegal crossings in the San Diego sector have plummeted from an average of 451 per day in October to just 39 per day in March.

“If you’ve got laws that aren’t being enforced, or if you have an administration that refuses to allow the border patrol to actually enforce the law and provide a consequence, then walls by themselves don’t work,” said Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, highlighting the importance of enforcement alongside physical barriers. – Source

Jeffrey Stalnaker, San Diego Border Patrol Sector Chief, emphasized the ultimate goal: “Operational control is what we are trying to achieve.” This means 100% situational awareness and detection of illegal crossings – a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s open-border policies that allowed millions to stream across the southern border unchecked. Under Trump’s leadership, the border agencies are finally empowered to fulfill their mission of protecting American sovereignty and securing our national boundaries against illegal entry.