Hundreds Of Troops Are In Texas To Prevent Border Crossings, But They Hardly See Any Attempts

Several hundred active-duty soldiers arrived in Del Rio, Texas, in late January following President Donald Trump's declaration of an invasion and his subsequent order to deploy troops to the southern border. However, they don't have much to do as border crossings have plummeted since Donald Trump took office almost a month ago, The Washington Post reported.

Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio sector and the nearby city of Eagle Pass have been apprehending fewer than 50 people per day since late January, a stark contrast to 2023, when as many as 5,000 migrants crossed the Rio Grande every day. At the national level, unlawful border crossings have dropped to levels last seen in 2019.

Asides from enforcement, local officials in Del Rio say they welcome the economic boost that comes with the influx of military personnel. However, questions remain about the need for their presence given the low amount of attempted crossings. "We're glad they're here enjoying our city," Del Rio Mayor Alvaro Arreola told the outlet. "Even if we haven't gotten any information about their actual mission."

Locals report that approximately 400 soldiers have arrived in Del Rio, stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base before being dispatched to various border areas. U.S. Northern Command, which is overseeing the deployment, said the troops are reinforcing border barriers and assisting with intelligence on cartel activity. Moreover, Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, said Border Patrol agents and troops are engaged in drug and weapons seizures, arresting criminals, erecting barriers, and investigating human trafficking.

Border Patrol agents remain visible throughout Del Rio and Eagle Pass, stationed along roadways and in dense brush areas. In Kinney County, a hotspot for migrant smuggling during the Biden administration, local law enforcement reports a significant reduction in activity. Sheriff Brad Coe described the situation as a dramatic shift. "It's so quiet it's spooky. It feels like the calm before the storm."

While attempted border crossings remain low, an estimated 300,000 migrants are in Mexico waiting to see how U.S. policies unfold. Historically, surges in crossings have followed presidential transitions, and analysts note that policy changes often drive fluctuations more than seasonal weather patterns.

For now, Texas migrant shelters remain largely empty, and border nonprofits have redirected their resources to Mexico. Such a case took place in San Diego, after the Jewish Family Service said it will shut down and lay off 115 employees after six years due to "changes in federal funding and policy."

But asides from the funds, the NGO said it has not received asylum-seeking families or individuals since January 20, when Donald Trump took office and shut down CBP One app, used during the Biden administration to administer lawful asylum requests.

In contrast, The Latin Times reported earlier this month, Casa del Migrante, a migrant family shelter in Mexico, is operating beyond its capacity.

Casa del Migrante was built to accommodate around 150 people at a time—mostly women and children—with a steady flow of migrants arriving and departing daily. However, since Trump's inauguration, the flow has stopped, at least in one direction—people are arriving, but very few are leaving. With deported Mexican nationals increasingly requesting its services, the shelter now holds around 250 migrants, including 80 children, forcing staff to get creative as they try to meet the growing demand.

The shelter technically enforces a 20-day stay limit but many migrants have nowhere to go when their time runs out.