Veterans Reinforce Border Security Amid Immigration Trends

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A dedicated group of U.S. military veterans has been actively engaged in addressing the ongoing challenges at the southern border. This initiative remains significant even as President Donald Trump has made strides to reduce illegal crossings.

Kate Monroe, the founder of Border Vets and a Marine Corps veteran, expressed her concerns about the previous lack of action. She stated, “As a country, we were going quietly into the night. It’s not as difficult to secure the nation as people might think.” These remarks come in response to the group’s efforts to improve gaps in the U.S.-Mexico border barrier in Southern California.

On an unusually chilly and rainy day, Monroe granted Fox News Digital access to witness the Border Vets’ volunteer work firsthand. Joining her were nearly a dozen veterans, revisiting the notorious “San Judas Break,” a significant gap that at one point allowed over 3,000 illegal migrants to enter the U.S. each week.

Addressing Critical Gaps in Border Security

This specific gap in the border barrier occurs where U.S. fencing meets a rocky formation, creating an entryway for migrants familiar with the area. The Border Vets had installed razor wire last year and returned to enhance the barrier further up the hill in hopes of deterring illegal crossings.

Notably, the environment around this entry point has undergone a transformation since the veterans first commenced their volunteer efforts. The number of illegal crossings has significantly decreased since Trump took office in January.

Interestingly, the Mexican Army’s presence has increased in the vicinity, establishing a temporary camp on the opposite side of the border near the worksite of the Border Vets.

Impact of Government Changes on Crossing Numbers

There is no doubt that the cooperation from the Mexican government, along with Trump’s reentry into office, has influenced border crossing statistics significantly. Data from February revealed that only 8,300 individuals attempted to enter illegally, marking the lowest figure since fiscal 2000.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents reported substantially fewer encounters with illegal migrants in February 2025. The agency documented only 30,000 encounters compared to more than 130,000 during the same timeframe in the previous years.

The Continued Efforts of Border Vets

Despite the reduction in illegal crossings, members of the Border Vets remain committed to their voluntary work. Some migrants still demonstrate determination and resourcefulness in their attempts to cross.

One Marine veteran, who is actively involved with Border Vets, noted that the situation has improved but emphasized the existence of remaining gaps. He stated, “Things are getting better down at the border, but you can still see on the footpath that people are just walking through.”

Collaborative Efforts with CBP

Importantly, the Border Vets have not faced significant challenges from patrolling CBP agents. Many officers reportedly welcome the assistance, especially during the peak of illegal crossings in recent years. An anonymous CBP agent asserted that the agency does not intervene when the group engages in enhancing security measures.

Near Jacumba Hot Springs, a makeshift shelter constructed from wood pallets and tarp that previously accommodated hundreds of migrants awaiting asylum claims now stands deserted.

Border Vets members carefully monitored their patchwork barriers along different sections of the San Diego County border with Mexico. The contrast between the circumstances now and those just a few months prior was striking.

A Visible Improvement at the Border

Monroe remarked on the remarkable improvements, stating, “It’s a crazy thing. There used to be hundreds of people crossing every time I came, now not one. And it’s not because of the rain, they were coming rain or shine… the difference has just been absolutely amazing.”

The veterans continue to celebrate the positive shift at the border. However, they have vowed to remain vigilant to prevent a return to the previous crisis levels.

Steadfast Commitment to National Security

A Navy veteran within the group articulated concerns over open border policies. He declared, “An open border policy that we’ve dealt with for the last four years has been nothing but a detriment to the country. We’re all struggling, we’re all being dealt a bad hand, and it just doesn’t send the right message to have our borders wide open when every other nation has closed-border policies.”

As the Border Vets continue their mission, their commitment to national security remains unwavering. They recognize the importance of their efforts in addressing the ongoing challenges at the southern border while advocating for practical solutions to enhance border security.