A dramatic shift has occurred at the nation’s southern border. Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has enacted measures that have effectively stemmed the flow of illegal crossings, achieving a reported reduction of over 99 percent.
The preceding four years presented a stark contrast, witnessing an estimated 15 million individuals crossing the border illegally. This influx overwhelmed law enforcement, stretching resources thin and creating a crisis for border states.
In Starr County, Texas, the relentless pursuit of smugglers recently culminated in a high-speed chase involving a member of the Gulf Cartel. The smuggler, transporting a vehicle full of people, attempted to evade capture, but ultimately found his escape route blocked.
As the chase intensified, those being smuggled abandoned the vehicle, fleeing on foot. The smuggler, however, pressed on, eventually crashing and seeking refuge inside a nearby home. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers swiftly apprehended him.
This incident is just one example of the ongoing efforts under Operation Lone Star, launched in 2021. This multi-agency initiative unites the Texas DPS, the Texas National Guard, and the Texas Tactical Border Force with federal Border Patrol agents.
Recently, DPS personnel utilized drone technology to intercept a group attempting to cross the Rio Grande River. The aerial surveillance led to the recovery of three individuals, including a young child, demonstrating the evolving tactics employed to secure the border.
The Constitution itself addresses this very scenario. Article IV, Section 4 explicitly tasks the federal government with protecting states from invasion, a responsibility that had seemingly been overlooked in recent years.
With the implementation of new policies, a sense of order is returning to the border. The focus has shifted towards enforcing existing laws and reaffirming the sovereignty of the nation, signaling a decisive change in approach.
