Migrant Crossings Plummet in the Rio Grande Valley
The once bustling Rio Grande Valley, a historic epicenter for migrant arrivals, has fallen eerily silent. An idled Border Patrol bus sits empty, agents patrol deserted riverbanks, and once-crowded landing spots remain barren. This dramatic shift marks a significant decline in illegal crossings, with arrests plummeting from a staggering 250,000 in December 2023 to a mere 350 per day in recent weeks.
Associated Press journalists accompanying Border Patrol agents on a five-hour patrol along the Rio Grande encountered not a single migrant. This stark contrast to the busy days of 2021, when daily arrests reached nearly 3,000, highlights the dramatic decrease in illegal crossings.
Several factors have contributed to this decline. Heightened enforcement by Mexican authorities within their own borders and stringent U.S. asylum restrictions have played a significant role. Additionally, the Texas National Guard and state police have become a major presence under Governor Greg Abbott's "Operation Lone Star," further deterring crossings.
Despite the relative calm, the situation remains complex. Overnight arrests along the Rio Grande and a shooting incident involving a suspected smuggling operation serve as reminders of the ongoing challenges at the border.
While the reasons for the decline in illegal crossings are multifaceted, the impact is undeniable. The once-bustling Rio Grande Valley has transformed into a ghost of its former self, with empty buses, deserted shores, and a palpable sense of quietude.
9 Comments
Matzomaster
This is just a way to justify more spending on border security, which is already a massive waste of money.
Rotfront
The decline in crossings shows that our efforts to secure the border are working.
Karamba
This is a step towards a more secure and prosperous America.
Marishka
The decline in crossings doesn't mean the problem is solved. We need to address the root causes of migration.
Pupsik
This is a victory for common sense and the rule of law.
Donatello
The decline in crossings will help to reduce the strain on our immigration system.
Michelangelo
I'm proud of our country for taking a stand against illegal immigration.
Raphael
The quieter border means less crime, less drugs, and more safety for our communities.
Leonardo
This is just a temporary lull. The smugglers will find new routes and the crossings will start again.