Border Patrol prioritizes national security under Trump administration

U.S. Border Patrol has changed its focus back to national security under President Donald Trump. Since he took office, illegal immigration has dropped significantly. This has allowed agents to return to their main duties instead of being overwhelmed by processing migrants. During the previous administration of President Joe Biden, Border Patrol agents were often occupied with tasks like transporting and processing asylum seekers. This left them frustrated and affected morale. One agent described the challenges of trying to care for large numbers of immigrants while still meeting quotas. Now, with fewer people crossing the border, Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks says agents can concentrate on enforcement activities. They are working to capture drug traffickers and dismantle smuggling operations. With a higher number of agents than migrants apprehended, they are enhancing consequences for illegal activities. Border Patrol leaders have acknowledged that conditions for agents have improved, allowing them to patrol effectively. Since Trump's policies took effect, only 8,300 migrants were encountered in the last month, a significant drop from 140,000 a year earlier. Former agent Melissa Lucio noted that this shift permits better intelligence-gathering to combat smuggling. Furthermore, agents are now focused on busting "stash houses," where smugglers keep illegal immigrants before moving them across the country. Recent operations led to the discovery of 19 immigrants in a stash house in New Mexico, and smugglers are now facing felony charges. The enforcement measures have also impacted drug smuggling. With more agents in the field, drug seizures have increased, with Border Patrol reporting 45 pounds of heroin taken last month alone. The Justice Department is working more closely with Border Patrol. Prosecutions for immigration and drug-related offenses have risen sharply, reflecting a tougher stance on illegal immigration. With increasing referral acceptance rates, Border Patrol aims to regain full control of the border.