JD Vance Celebrates Border Security Progress Amid Dramatic Decrease in Illegal Crossings

JD Vance Celebrates Border Security Progress Amid Dramatic Decrease in Illegal Crossings

Vice President JD Vance took a moment to commend the significant reductions in illegal border crossings during a recent visit to the southern border. The decrease, he claims, is directly linked to the policies implemented by the previous Trump administration.

Touring the Border

Vance, accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, visited Eagle Pass, Texas. The group met with local officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, and participated in an aerial inspection of segments of the newly constructed border wall.

Significant Policy Impacts

In a press conference following their tour, Vance recalled President Donald Trump’s remarks made earlier during his congressional address. He emphasized that effective solutions to border security do not stem from new legislation but rather from a change in leadership.

He stated, “It turns out we didn’t need new laws. We didn’t need fancy legislation. We just needed a new President of the United States. And thank God, that’s exactly what we have.” This statement reflects a prevailing sentiment among supporters of the administration’s stricter border policies.

Focus on Security

During the visit, the team also explored a Border Patrol detention facility and participated in a roundtable with both local and national stakeholders. Hegseth reiterated the administration’s commitment by stating, “Border security is national security. We’re sending those folks home, and we’re not letting more in. And you’re seeing that right now.” This statement aligns with the current policy goals aimed at enhancing national security through border control.

Remarkable Statistics

The numbers Vance presented highlighted a staggering drop in illegal crossings. He noted that daily encounters had plummeted from approximately 1,500 to merely 30, coinciding with an impressive 85 percent decline in fatalities at the border.

Vance argued, “Every single day that we continue to keep this border safe, that means less migrant crime. That means less fentanyl coming into our communities. That means more safety and security for the people of the United States of America.” His remarks underline the administration’s emphasis on both public safety and stringent immigration policies.

Responding to Cartel Threats

Gabbard articulated the administration’s focus, stating, “Our mission is very clear. Our objective is to keep the American people safe.” She stressed the importance of this mission, especially following the president’s designation of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move aimed at intensifying the fight against organized crime.

Historical Context of Policies

Trump’s approach to immigration gained traction early during his presidency, encompassing a series of executive orders that declared a national emergency at the border. These initiatives not only mobilized military resources but also advocated for a renewed focus on border wall construction while curtailing policies enacted by the Biden administration.

The Pentagon facilitated the deployment of troops and authorized the opening of Guantánamo Bay for migrant flights. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security obligated limits on interior enforcement and expanded expedited removals. Such measures increase collaboration with partner nations to ensure swift returns of migrants.

Reducing Encounters and Enforcement Measures

The administration’s recent initiatives have led to the arrests of thousands of illegal immigrants, magnifying their commitment to enforcing immigration law across various states, including so-called sanctuary cities.

For reference, in February, southern border encounters fell dramatically to just 8,326, a significant decline from the 189,913 incidents recorded in February 2024. To date, more than 55,000 illegal immigrants have been expelled from the United States.

Daily Updates on Border Security

A Border Patrol source revealed astounding news, reporting only 271 total encounters across the entire southern border on a recent Tuesday, with just 14 of those occurring in the Del Rio Sector during Vance’s visit. These figures illustrate the ongoing success of current border policies.

During his address, Trump referenced the notable decrease in crossings, stating, “Within hours of taking the oath of office, I declared a national emergency on our southern border and I deployed the U.S. military and Border Patrol to repel the invasion of our country. What a job they’ve done. As a result, illegal border crossings last month were by far the lowest ever recorded, ever.” This assertion reinforces the narrative of effective border management.

Maintaining Momentum

Vance and his team’s visit underscores the administration’s ongoing commitment to bolstering border security while addressing the challenges associated with illegal immigration. As policies evolve, the emphasis remains on creating a safe and secure environment for American citizens.

Fox News’ Brooke Taylor and The Associated Press contributed to this report.