Part 9/12:
operations aim to tighten border control while respecting legal limits on military policing. The move coincides with a significant drop in illegal crossings, which have fallen to historic lows under the current administration. In June, apprehensions dipped below 6,000 migrants in the first 22 days, a stark contrast to the surge earlier in 2023.
Experts attribute this reversal to a hardened enforcement posture that includes ending catch-and-release policies, halting the use of the CBP1 app, and deploying additional National Guard and military personnel. The goal, officials say, is to implement a "deterrence first" approach that effectively manages border security and reduces illegal entries.