A migrant facility that once symbolized the border collapse in the southwestern United States has become completely empty land.
This was shown in a video shared on X by the official account of U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector (@USBPChiefDRT), which features aerial and interior images of the center from 2023 to May 2025. However, they do not specify the name and location of this border crossing point.
"Much has changed in recent months! At its peak, this facility required around 750 employees to process thousands of illegal immigrants each week, totaling nearly 700,000 in three years. Now, this empty land serves as a reminder that the border is safer than ever," reads the message accompanying the video.
Drastic reduction of crossings
The transformation of the season coincides with the hardening of the immigration policy driven by the administration of President Donald Trump.
"Crossings at the southwest border in March fell to their lowest level in U.S. history, a 94% decrease compared to March of last year under President Biden," the Trump administration stated in early April on the social media platform X.
In March of this year, there were about 28,000 border encounters, compared to more than 256,000 in the same month of 2024. Tom Homan, the Border Czar, stated that "crossings have decreased by 96%," attributing this success to the military support backing the Border Patrol agents.
Militarization of the border
Under Trump’s new mandate, the southern border of the U.S. has been the site of a significant military deployment. The president signed an executive order at the beginning of his administration to redefine national security policy, focusing on combatting illegal immigration and drug trafficking as direct threats.
On May 2, a new National Defense Area (NDA) was established in El Paso, Texas, integrated with the Fort Bliss military base.
In total, more than 9,000 soldiers are deployed along the border, supported by armored vehicles, combat helicopters, and naval destroyers experienced in international operations. The Coast Guard is also actively involved in maritime patrol efforts to curb illegal crossings by sea.
Major Wes Shinego, spokesperson for the U.S. Army, described the initiative as the beginning of a "multifaceted campaign" that combines "physical presence, executive decisions, and international cooperation."
The Mexican government has also strengthened its role in this strategy by mobilizing 10,000 soldiers on its side of the border, as part of a bilateral agreement. This coordinated effort aims to disrupt the routes for trafficking people, weapons, and drugs.
The transformation of this immigration facility into an empty lot is, for the Trump administration, tangible proof of the effectiveness of its border security policy. However, human rights advocates have warned about the potential humanitarian impacts of these measures.
Meanwhile, the images shared by the Border Patrol are being used as a symbol of the new hardline approach: a fortified and militarized border aimed at putting a stop to the historic migration flows that have characterized the region for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions about the immigration situation at the U.S. border.
Why has the number of migrants in U.S. border facilities decreased?
The decrease in migrants at the U.S. border facilities is attributed to the tightening of immigration policy driven by the Donald Trump administration. This includes measures such as the militarization of the border, the construction of a wall, and an increase in deportations. These actions have resulted in a dramatic decline in illegal crossings, which reached their lowest level in recent history.
What measures has Donald Trump implemented to reduce illegal crossings?
Donald Trump has implemented a series of measures such as the militarization of the border, the construction of the border wall, and the intensification of deportations. Cooperation with Mexico and other countries has also been strengthened to cut off the routes for trafficking in people, weapons, and drugs, which has contributed to a significant decrease in illegal crossings.
What has been the impact of the militarization of the U.S. southern border?
The militarization of the southern U.S. border has resulted in a 96% reduction in illegal crossings. With over 9,000 soldiers deployed, supported by armored vehicles and helicopters, this strategy has been crucial in securing the border and curbing migration flow. However, it has raised concerns about the potential humanitarian effects of these measures.
What role has Mexico played in the border security strategy of the U.S.?
Mexico has strengthened its role in the U.S. border security strategy by mobilizing 10,000 soldiers on its side of the border. This bilateral collaboration aims to disrupt the trafficking routes for people, weapons, and drugs, and has been crucial for the success of the measures implemented by the Trump administration to secure the border.
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