Transformative Changes at the Southern Border Observed by Veterans Group Under Trump Administration

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Veterans volunteering to secure the border in Southern California report a remarkable transformation since President Trump took office in January. The shift in dynamics has been striking, according to those who regularly patrol the region.

Kate Monroe, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Border Vets, stated, “There has been such an amazing difference between what was going on during the Biden administration versus what’s going on under the Trump administration.” Monroe leads a group of U.S. military veterans dedicated to repairing gaps in the border barrier.

The remarks come as Trump continues his efforts to enhance border security, which remains a central theme in his ongoing presidential campaign. Data reveals that significant progress has been made, with the number of encounters at the southern border hitting lows not seen in nearly 25 years. This information comes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, indicating a substantial downtrend in illegal crossings.

During February, CBP agents apprehended approximately 8,300 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, the lowest monthly total since fiscal year 2000. Comparatively, encounters with illegal migrants sharply decreased from nearly 30,000 in February of last year to a fraction of that this year.

Members of Border Vets have noted this declining trend and conveyed their observations to Fox News Digital, emphasizing the significant reduction in border-crossing attempts in a sector that had previously been bustling with activity.

“Things are getting better down at the border,” remarked one Marine veteran volunteering with Border Vets. The focus for these veterans includes areas around Jacumba Hot Springs, California, located approximately 70 miles east of San Diego. A previously notorious location, known as the “San Judas Break,” formally saw over 3,000 migrants passing through weekly as recently as last year.

Last year, amid a high influx of border crossings, Monroe took it upon herself to address the issue by patching up this critical breach. She organized a group of veterans to establish a makeshift barrier with razor wire, effectively closing off the gap.

Monroe asserted, “I felt the anger and frustrations of millions of fellow Americans watching in horror as thousands of people poured through,” highlighting the risks associated with that border hole. She expressed concerns that this breach allowed not only illegal crossings but also the infiltration of drugs, potential terrorists, and human trafficking, all while local economies faced increasing burdens.

The actions of Monroe and Border Vets quickly gained attention, contributing to the group’s formation, which has since helped seal numerous breaches in the border barrier throughout Southern California.

Border agents have largely welcomed the assistance they received from veterans. One agent, who chose to remain anonymous, conveyed to Fox News Digital that the collaboration has proven beneficial in enhancing border security.

According to both CBP agents and Border Vets members, there is consensus regarding the reduced number of attempted crossings since Trump’s administration began. Once a bustling sector, the area now experiences relative quiet following years of unprecedented border activity.

Monroe recounted her experience, stating, “There used to be hundreds of people crossing every time I came, [now] not a one. The difference has been absolutely amazing. I feel like our national security is getting less and less at risk by the day.” This sentiment resonates with many veterans engaged in volunteer work along the border.

At a different location within Jacumba Hot Springs, a makeshift shelter established by NGOs, previously filled with migrants, stood empty, underscoring the rapid changes that’s unfolded at the southern border.

Despite observing positive improvements, members of Border Vets remain vigilant. They continue to monitor known vulnerabilities along the border to maintain low crossing rates.

“Secure the border, plain and simple,” urged a Navy veteran involved with Border Vets, explaining his motivation for volunteering at the border. He stressed, “This is the United States of America, and an open-border policy that we’ve dealt with for the last four years has been nothing but a detriment to the country.”

The shift in conditions at the southern border highlights the ongoing debates surrounding border security and immigration policies. As the Trump administration takes steps to solidify its objectives, the feedback from veterans offers unique insights into the practical implications of these strategies at ground level. The efforts by groups like Border Vets serve as a testament to the ongoing commitment of individuals devoted to ensuring the security and integrity of the U.S. southern border.

The evolving circumstances at the border remain a focal point for discussion among policymakers and citizens alike, as the implications of these changes resonate through communities reliant on both security and economic stability. Observations from veterans offer a glimpse into the changing landscape and what it means for the future of border management in the United States.