Military veterans patrolling the southern border in California have witnessed a dramatic shift in illegal crossings since Donald Trump's return to the White House.
According to Fox News, the Border Vets organization reports a stark contrast between border activity during the Biden administration and the current Trump presidency, with February recording the lowest monthly crossings in nearly 25 years.
The transformation became evident in areas like Jacumba Hot Springs, California, where the infamous "San Judas Break" previously saw over 3,000 migrants crossing weekly. Today, the same location stands eerily quiet, marking a significant change in border dynamics under the new administration's policies.
Border Vets, founded by Marine Corps veteran Kate Monroe, has taken an active role in reinforcing vulnerable sections of the border barrier. The volunteer group, comprised of former military personnel, dedicates their time and resources to addressing security gaps along the California-Mexico border.
Monroe, who previously ran as a Republican candidate for California's 49th Congressional District, initiated the group's efforts by installing razor wire at the San Judas Break. Their work quickly gained attention and inspired similar initiatives along the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have expressed appreciation for the volunteer group's assistance, with one anonymous agent confirming the positive impact of their efforts.
CBP data reveals approximately 8,300 attempted illegal border crossings in February, marking the lowest recorded monthly total since fiscal year 2000. The dramatic decline becomes more apparent when compared to previous years' statistics.
February's total of around 30,000 border encounters represents a significant drop from the 130,000 encounters recorded during the same period in 2023 and 2024. This substantial decrease aligns with Trump's campaign promises to strengthen border security.
Kate Monroe of Border Vets shared her observations:
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. 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.
The effects of reduced border crossings are visible throughout the region. A previously active NGO-operated migrant shelter in Jacumba Hot Springs now stands empty, reflecting the changing dynamics of border activity.
Despite the significant reduction in crossings, Border Vets maintains regular patrols of known vulnerable areas. Their commitment to border security remains unwavering, as expressed by a Navy veteran member of the group:
Secure the border, plain and simple. 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 organization continues to monitor and reinforce weak points along the border, working alongside CBP agents to maintain the current low levels of illegal crossings.
The Border Vets organization has emerged as a crucial player in the ongoing efforts to secure the southern border, with their volunteer work complementing official border enforcement measures. Their presence in San Diego County has contributed to the sharp decline in illegal border crossings since Trump's return to office in January. The dramatic transformation of once-busy crossing points into quiet sectors reflects the effectiveness of combined efforts between volunteer groups and federal authorities.
